At Blue Yonder, we believe in growing talent from the ground up. Our apprenticeship programme is designed to equip bright, ambitious individuals with the skills, experience and confidence to thrive in the world of market research. This year, we’re proud to celebrate two of our apprentices – Paige and Adam – who have recently completed their qualifications and stepped into permanent roles within our team.
Paige now works as a Fieldwork Executive at Sense:lab, while Adam has joined Sense:buds as a Recruitment Executive. We caught up with them to reflect on their journeys – from their first day as apprentices to where they are now.
What initially attracted you to the apprenticeship – and what were your expectations starting out?
“I was initially drawn to the apprenticeship because, while I really enjoyed university, I was eager to get straight into the working world and start building practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. I liked the idea of learning on the job, gaining real experience that you just can’t get from a university course alone. I was also conscious of the time commitment of a three-year degree and the uncertainty of job prospects afterwards, so the apprenticeship route felt like a more direct and rewarding path.
To be honest, the role turned out to be quite different from what I originally expected. But that’s actually been a positive – I’ve discovered aspects of the job that I genuinely enjoy, particularly project management and the setup phase of research projects, which I hadn’t anticipated being drawn to.”
Paige, Fieldwork Executive
“I came to the apprenticeship as a career change – I wanted a new direction and the opportunity to gain a qualification at the same time. I didn’t really know what to expect from market research, but during the interview process I got a strong sense of the company’s values. It felt like an innovative, forward-thinking place where people really pull together. That gave me the confidence that it was a place I could grow and thrive.”
Adam, Recruitment Executive
What have been some of your biggest learnings – professionally or personally?
“Over the 18 months of my apprenticeship, I learned an incredible amount, both professionally and personally. Professionally, I developed a strong understanding of the fundamentals of market research, how to effectively manage projects from start to finish, and the importance of clear communication with both clients and consumers. I also learned how to collaborate efficiently within a team, balancing different roles and responsibilities.
On a personal level, one of the biggest changes I’ve seen in myself is my confidence. When I started, I was unsure of my capabilities, but through consistent learning, hands-on experience, and the support of my team, I’ve grown significantly. Achieving a distinction was a defining moment for me – it reaffirmed that with focus and determination, I can accomplish whatever I set my mind to.”
Paige, Fieldwork Executive
“I’ve learned a lot about resilience – and that I still have a strong desire to succeed in anything I put my mind to. There were definitely challenges along the way, but they helped me grow. I also discovered how important it is to be adaptable and open to learning from others, especially when making a career change into a completely new field.”
Adam, Recruitment Executive
Can you share a moment or project you’re particularly proud of?
“One of the moments I’m most proud of is achieving a distinction in my End Point Assessment. While I’ve always felt pretty confident writing essays and reports, the presentation and Q&A sections really pushed me out of my comfort zone – they’re not something I naturally find easy, especially with each lasting an hour. So, when I found out that I’d earned a distinction across all parts of the assessment, I was genuinely proud of myself. It felt like a huge personal achievement and a real validation of how far I’d come over the course of the apprenticeship.”
Paige, Fieldwork Executive
“I’m really proud of the project I managed as part of my End Point Assessment – being able to speak so confidently about it with my assessor was a great feeling. Another highlight was insourcing recruitment for several projects, which saved the business money compared to using external recruiters. We did that with limited resources, and it showed how much I’d grown in the role and how much I’d learned.”
Adam, Recruitment Executive
Any advice for someone thinking about starting an apprenticeship in research or recruitment?
“My biggest piece of advice would be to ask plenty of questions – about the role itself and the wider company. Do your research so you have a clear understanding of what the apprenticeship involves and how it aligns with your interests. That said, I’d also encourage you to just go for it. This apprenticeship opens doors to so many areas within market research, and you’ll gain exposure to a wide range of skills and specialisms.
It’s a great opportunity to discover what you enjoy and where your strengths lie. On top of that, the skills you develop are incredibly valuable and transferable. Personally, I’ve grown so much and even made some lifelong friends along the way. It’s an experience that’s both professionally rewarding and personally enriching.”
Paige, Fieldwork Executive
“Absolutely go for it. Changing industries is a risk, but this experience has proved to me that it’s one worth taking. Be adaptable, stay open-minded, and soak up as much information as you can from everyone around you. Everyone has something valuable to share, and learning from others makes the transition a lot easier.”
Adam, Recruitment Executive
We’re proud to see both Paige and Adam take this next step in their careers, and we’re excited about what lies ahead for them at Sense:lab and Sense:buds. Their journeys show just how valuable apprenticeships can be – not just as a pathway into the industry, but as a way to build confidence, capability, and a strong foundation for the future.
Interested in joining the team through an apprenticeship? Keep an eye on our careers page or get in touch to find out more.
