Apprentice Edition: 3 Journey's, 1 high performance career path

Episode GuestSam WalleySam is a Commercial Graduate at Compare the Market, currently rotating through teams as part of the company’s graduate scheme. He’s passionate about taking opportunities outside his comfort zone and building a successful career in the commercial world.Kelly HowesKelly is a Software Engineer Apprentice at Compare the Market, having transitioned into tech through coding bootcamps and hands-on learning. She’s passionate about inclusive workplaces, lifelong learning, and building software that makes a real impact.George OwensGeorge is a Risk and Compliance Apprentice at Compare the Market, where he works across the business supporting governance, risk, and regulatory understanding. He enjoys the variety of the role and developing confidence by getting involved from day one.Episode Timestamps:0:00 Meet the apprentices and graduates at Compare the Market0:28 First impressions of the interview process1:27 Advice for young people applying for apprenticeships and grad roles1:53 Welcome to My Duvet Flip with Sam, Kelly and George2:06 Sam’s background and education journey2:48 Stepping outside your comfort zone at university3:38 Growing up on a dairy farm and learning hard work4:29 Discovering commercial work and internships5:43 Finding the Compare the Market graduate scheme6:26 What the commercial graduate scheme looks like6:38 Life two months into the grad role7:23 Preparing properly for interviews7:33 Skills learned so far and financial confidence8:15 Sam’s first week at Compare the Market8:52 Company-wide events and culture11:42 Kelly’s non-traditional career journey13:12 Running a dance school and learning leadership14:47 Discovering coding during the pandemic15:53 Applying for the software engineering apprenticeship16:56 Feeling welcomed during the interview process17:26 What a software engineer apprenticeship involves18:46 Learning while working in a real tech team19:23 Why apprenticeships are a powerful route into tech19:39 Supportive and inclusive culture at Compare the Market20:18 Kelly’s advice for future apprentices21:04 George’s university experience and career thinking22:14 Adapting to change during COVID22:36 Finding the risk and compliance apprenticeship23:16 What risk and compliance work really looks like24:16 Surprises in the workplace and flat hierarchy25:26 Learning by being trusted early26:19 Personal development and the Talent Academy26:44 Advice for anyone applying to Compare the Market27:36 What gets Sam, Kelly and George out of bed each morning28:34 Final thanks and closing thoughtsEpisode Partners📊 Compare the MarketDiscover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions.https://bit.ly/4i53SvjDisclaimer:The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-adviceIf you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/