National Apprenticeship Week: Wania’s Lionheart Journey

With our support and guidance to flourish in their chosen vocation, many  of our apprentices progress onto permanent employment within the Trust. 

Among the plethora of success stories is Wania Habib, who recently completed an IT apprenticeship at Beauchamp College and has since successfully secured a permanent role at Judgemeadow Community College. 

A decorated Lionheart alumnus – having attended Riverside Primary School, The Cedars Academy and finally Beauchamp College – Wania, upon completing her GCSEs, sought an alternative path to the traditional A-level route, one that better suited her desire to work and learn simultaneously. An apprenticeship seemed the obvious choice.  

“I am a very practical person and believed I would learn more if I had hands-on experience, that was why I chose to go down the apprenticeship route,” she explained. 

But why did she opt to undertake one with Lionheart? 

“As a previous student I have seen the Trust’s dedication and drive to improve the quality of education [for young people], which I have greatly benefited from. That’s why I wanted to do an apprenticeship back at Lionheart.” 

As part of an apprenticeship, participants are often required to complete coursework for a professional qualification, and Wania was full of praise for the support she received at Lionheart while completing her studies. 

“I received a lot of help with my coursework and during challenging times, the Trust had supported me throughout,” she explained. 

On the practical side, Wania worked alongside the wider IT team to resolve classroom concerns – such as sound and visual issues – dealt with requests from staff and students, assisted parents with Beehive queries and carried out asset checking. 

Hands-on exposure to a broad range of IT disciplines – as well as working alongside supportive and knowledgeable colleagues – helped Wania improve her skillset, both generally and in relation to her role. 

“My colleagues supported me throughout, teaching me new skills, giving me more responsibilities, helping me identify my weaknesses and encouraging me to improve,” she said.  

“I have learned about effective communication, improved my technical understanding, troubleshooting skills, asset organisation and project management. 

“I am now able to apply my new knowledge of systems and applications to solve any problems staff or students may have.” 

After finishing her apprenticeship, Wania decided to apply for a full-time position within the Trust, and was successful... 

“The skills I learnt during my apprenticeship allowed me to smoothly transition into my current job as an IT technician,” she said.  

“What I learned during my apprenticeship, prepared me for the role that I am in now.” 

Having excelled in her own apprenticeship, what advice would Wania give? 

“Ask questions, to better understand what you are doing and why you are doing it.  

“Show initiative and be proactive in taking new challenges and responsibilities.  

“Network with colleagues, mentors and staff members as they can teach you a lot and can be valuable contacts.” 

If you’re interested in pursuing an apprenticeship scheme with Lionheart, make sure you keep an eye on our ETeach portal for any new positions that become available. 

https://www.eteach.com/careers/lionhearttrust-org/