Derventio Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week
Apprenticeships have played a huge role in our story - so reaching the milestone of welcoming our 20th apprentice is something we’re incredibly proud of.
Our founder and managing director, Stuart Reece, began his own career on a Youth Training Scheme (YTS) - an early form of apprenticeship - and credits that opportunity with shaping both his career and the way he leads the company today.
That early experience gave Stuart real-world skills, confidence and a pathway into a career he might not otherwise have had. It’s why apprenticeships remain such an important part of how we grow our team and our business.
To mark National Apprenticeship Week, Stuart is encouraging other employers to consider offering apprentices the same opportunities - highlighting the long-term benefits they bring, not just to individuals, but to businesses too.
Stuart said: “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the opportunity I was given on a YTS. It gave me real-world experience, confidence and a pathway into a career I might not otherwise have had.
“We’ve seen first-hand how apprentices grow with the business, develop valuable skills and, in many cases, build long-term careers with us.”
Today, we provide education software to schools and academy trusts around the world - but Stuart firmly believes the business may never have got off the ground without that first chance he was given.
Our most recent apprentice, Bill Aston, joined us in 2023 after completing his GCSEs at Ecclesbourne School. Now 18, Bill became our 20th apprentice and has since progressed into a permanent role within our development team.
He now works on software used by schools and academy trusts across the UK and beyond.
Bill said: “Starting my apprenticeship straight after my GCSEs gave me the chance to learn on the job while gaining real experience. It was quite an adjustment at first - even just calling everyone by their first name felt strange.
“I was staggered that I was given responsibility from day one, and it’s been really rewarding to see my work making a real difference. The apprenticeship has given me confidence, practical skills and a clear career path.
“Some of my friends stayed on at school and are now at university, but they’re building up lots of debt, and I don’t feel like I’ve missed out at all. I’d recommend it to anyone.”
