National Apprenticeship Week is a chance to highlight the many routes people take into their careers. At Perfect Placement, apprenticeships are not a side initiative or a short-term solution. They are a genuine starting point for long-term careers in recruitment and beyond.

Over the years, apprentices have joined us straight from education, developed real-world skills, and progressed into confident professionals. Some are still learning the ropes today. Others are now shaping how we recruit, support candidates and grow the business.

Learning recruitment in the real world

We currently have four apprentices completing the Recruitment Development Programme through Recruitment Juice. From the very beginning, they are immersed in real recruitment activity. This means speaking with candidates and clients, navigating systems, and learning how the business works day to day.

For many apprentices, the biggest development comes from leaving the classroom behind and gaining experience in real situations.

As soon as I left the classroom, I was able to really develop my communication skills, especially over the phone with clients and candidates. Dealing with real, pressuring situations every day has helped my people skills and helped me mature as a person too.

Rhys, current apprentice

That confidence often builds faster than expected when trust is given early on.

I expected a lot of theory at the start, but I was trusted with real systems straight away, which helped my confidence massively.

Will, current apprentice

When I first started, I didn’t really know what to expect. Recruitment wasn’t something I’d ever thought about, but I soon realised how many skills I was building without even noticing. Every day is different and you’re constantly speaking to new people.

Liam, current apprentice

Confidence grows with experience

As apprentices settle into their roles, tasks that once felt daunting begin to feel natural. Speaking to new people, sourcing candidates, and managing conversations become part of everyday work.

What once felt intimidating has become second nature. I’m now confident sourcing candidates and speaking with both new and existing clients and candidates, while building strong professional relationships.

Ruby, current apprentice

That confidence often starts with doing the uncomfortable parts of the job repeatedly.

At first it was daunting calling people out of the blue. You worry it might feel awkward, but after a few calls you get over the fear, it becomes fun and you get to speak to people from all walks of life.

Darwin, Senior Recruitment Executive

This steady growth in confidence is one of the biggest benefits of learning while working.

Progression beyond the apprenticeship

Our current apprentices are following a path that many before them have already taken.

We have five former Business Administration apprentices who have progressed into permanent roles within the business. Four now work in recruitment roles and one has stepped up into the role of Candidate Attraction Manager.

For some, progression has come through consistency and mastering the fundamentals.

I’ve progressed through several roles since completing my apprenticeship and now work as a senior recruiter on one of the busiest desks here. Learning to get the basics right early underpins my success today.

Harry, Principal Recruitment Executive

For others, progression has been shaped by the support around them and the relationships they’ve built as they’ve grown into their roles.

Having supportive colleagues around me made a huge difference. It helped me settle into the business, build strong relationships, and grow in confidence as I progressed into my role.

Kinga, Recruitment Executive

Being trusted with more responsibility and supported by the team made a huge difference. It helped me grow into my role and believe in myself.

Casey, Candidate Attraction Manager

And for many, it is about growing in confidence and ownership over time.

I started as an apprentice and was promoted into a recruitment executive role. I now work much more independently, take on more responsibility and feel far more confident supporting candidates and clients.

Archie, Recruitment Executive

Advice for future apprentices

For anyone considering an apprenticeship, hearing from people who have already taken that first step can be reassuring.

Most people don’t feel ready when they start, and that’s completely normal. You learn by doing, and if you’re open to learning and give it a proper go, you’ll be absolutely fine.

Ruby, current apprentice

If you have no prior experience, an apprenticeship gives you the chance to build confidence and learn the industry without being thrown in at the deep end. You’re supported every step of the way.

Archie, Recruitment Executive

Looking ahead

Apprenticeships at Perfect Placement are about more than gaining a qualification. They are about building confidence, developing real skills, and creating opportunities for long-term progression.

National Apprenticeship Week gives us a moment to reflect on those journeys, but our commitment to developing talent through apprenticeships continues all year round.