From Apprentice to Peterborough Apprentice of the Year: Isabel's story
What does it take to become Peterborough Apprentice of the Year?
We recently sat down with Isabel, a Quantity Surveying Degree Apprentice at Anglian Water, to find out. She shares how stepping outside her comfort zone, embracing new opportunities and making the most of her degree apprenticeship have helped her achieve award-winning success.
When Isabel was named Peterborough Apprentice of the Year, it gave her more than just a trophy to celebrate.
"It's given me the chance to reflect on how far I have come since starting my apprenticeship and recognise the progress I have made," she says. "Professionally, it's really rewarding to have my hard work recognised, and it has given me even more motivation to keep challenging myself."
For Isabel, the award reflects three years of hard work, determination and a willingness to embrace every opportunity that has come her way.
Choosing a different path
After completing A Levels in Law, Religious Studies and Psychology, Isabel faced the same decision as many young people: university or another route?
While many of her peers chose a traditional university pathway, Isabel wanted something different.
"I wanted a more practical path that would allow me to gain real-world experience while continuing my education. I liked the idea of learning in the workplace and putting what I was studying into practice."
In September 2023, at just 18 years old, she joined Anglian Water as a Quantity Surveying Degree Apprentice on a five-year programme combining professional experience with higher education.
"The degree apprenticeship offered me the opportunity to earn, learn and start building my career from the ground up."
Making the most of every opportunity
Ask Isabel what has contributed most to her success, and her answer is simple.
"I've always tried to push myself outside of my comfort zone, whether that's taking on additional responsibility, getting involved in something new or asking questions to improve my understanding."
Alongside her apprenticeship, Isabel leads Anglian Water's Wellbeing Champions and recently became an ROV facilitator. These opportunities have allowed her to contribute beyond her day-to-day role, work with colleagues across the business and develop valuable leadership skills.
"They've allowed me to contribute to the wider business, work with different people and take responsibility for things that are important to me."
Breaking barriers in construction
Alongside winning Peterborough Apprentice of the Year, Isabel was also Highly Commended in the Construction Apprentice of the Year category.
"Being Highly Commended for Construction Apprentice of the Year means a lot to me, particularly as a woman building a career in the construction industry."
She hopes her success will encourage more young women to consider careers in the sector.
"I'm proud to be part of the increasing number of women choosing careers in construction. I hope recognition like this can encourage others to consider the opportunities the industry has to offer."
Building confidence through experience
A key benefit of Isabel's apprenticeship has been the opportunity to gain experience across multiple teams through six-month rotational placements.
"One of the biggest opportunities my apprenticeship has given me is the chance to try a variety of roles through my placements. I've been able to see first-hand what I enjoy and what suits me."
The experience has helped her build both technical expertise and confidence.
"The biggest change for me has probably been my confidence. I started with very little experience in the industry, so almost everything was new. Over time, I've become much more comfortable asking questions, contributing to discussions and taking ownership of my work."
Learning that makes a difference
Studying alongside work can be challenging, but Isabel says her learning at ARU has had a direct impact on her role.
"My degree has taught me to assess different options and understand the reasoning behind an approach before reaching a conclusion."
She's also learnt the importance of adapting academic knowledge to real workplace situations.
"What you learn academically doesn't always have one straightforward application in the workplace, so being able to adapt that knowledge is really important."
The power of support
No apprenticeship journey is completed alone, and Isabel is quick to recognise the people who have supported her.
"There have been so many people who have made an impact on my development."
From colleagues at Anglian Water to lecturers and her study coach at ARU, she has benefited from a strong support network.
"I've learnt something from everyone I've worked with, and I now have a network of people I can rely on for help and guidance."
Knowing you've chosen the right career
Sometimes it takes someone else to help you realise how much you've grown.
For Isabel, that moment came during a conversation with a friend.
"I was catching up with a friend, telling her about university and work, when she said she hadn't realised how passionate I was about what I do."
The comment made her reflect on how much she enjoys her career.
"Knowing my work has a purpose and can make a difference is what makes it so rewarding."
Isabel's advice for future apprentices
So what advice would an award-winning apprentice give to those considering the apprenticeship route?
"Say yes to every opportunity."
"You don't need to know everything straight away, and asking questions is one of the best ways to learn."
She also encourages apprentices not to compare themselves to others.
"Success looks different for everyone. Be yourself, find what you genuinely care about and stay open to where your apprenticeship might take you."
And judging by the awards, recognition and confidence she has gained along the way, that's advice worth listening to.
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