Apprenticeships: Building confidence and careers
National Apprenticeship Week 2026
National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is a chance to celebrate the learners who are shaping the future of their industries. In the lead up to NAW 2026, we spoke to three inspiring apprentices from Northern Ireland, supported by Skilled NI and Loughview Training Services, who completed their apprenticeships with iCQ Awards qualifications: Briar Dowling, Nuala Donaghy and Cindy White.
Across hospitality and retail, their experiences highlight a shared journey: gaining confidence, progressing into new roles, and discovering opportunities they never thought were possible.
The apprentices
Briar Dowling – Manager, Brew & Bia
Apprenticeship: Level 2 Food and Beverage Service, progressing to Level 3 Hospitality Supervision and Leadership
For Briar, the apprenticeship didn’t just support her role as manager, it transformed how she sees herself in that role:
“My apprenticeship has helped me solidify my role as a manager as it gave me the confidence I needed to back myself. I now know 100% I’m capable and can handle anything thrown my way.”
The real-world learning approach gave Briar the skills to support her team, deliver exceptional service and trust her own leadership.
Nuala Donaghy – Senior Waitress / Supervisor, Oakleaf Restaurant
Apprenticeship: Level 2 Food and Beverage Service, progressing to Level 3 Hospitality Supervision and Leadership
Nuala’s journey shows how quickly apprenticeships can open doors to progression.
“Since starting the apprenticeship, I’ve progressed to supervising and training staff. The skills and knowledge that I have has given the manager the confidence to rely on me to oversee service and to give me other responsibilities.”
She also gained valuable life experience – most notably through a Skilled NI work placement in Italy.
“It was my first time away from home on my own, which put me out of my comfort zone, but the experience helped me to grow in confidence, given me more independence and developed my social skills.”
Cindy White – Retail Team Leader, Henderson Retail Limited
Apprenticeship: Level 2 Retail
Cindy entered the programme unsure if she was ready for leadership. She finished with a new role, new skills and a new sense of purpose.
“This apprenticeship has allowed me to move up to the role of Team Leader. It has opened my eyes to different possibilities within the retail industry and beyond, opportunities that I personally would have never thought of.”
Learning on the job gave her the space to grow naturally into leadership:
“It allows me to build my confidence within my workplace and for colleagues to see first-hand the change in me.”
Why on-the-job learning works
One theme was mentioned again and again: learning in the workplace makes all the difference.
Briar shared how the real-life environment helped her connect theory to practice:
“The on-the-job aspect of the apprenticeship was one of the best elements of the course! It gives you the real life setting and surroundings you need to be in to fully understand and to fully submerge yourself into the scenarios of the workplace, rather than sitting in a classroom at a desk not really being able to connect with what you’re learning. It helps so much with the understanding of your own workplace.”
Nuala appreciated how it suited her learning style:
“I don’t think I would have done it if it was in a classroom or college. The on-the-job aspect is much more engaging and enjoyable. It allows me to learn about the industry, in the industry, and I continue to get paid through work while doing the qualification.”
And Cindy emphasised the convenience and the impact on her confidence:
“There is no need to attend a night class or have a day release from your work, which would eat into your work/life balance… It allows you to learn skills and knowledge at a pace that suits your style of learning and with all the support you need.”
A shared message for National Apprenticeship Week 2026
Although each journey is unique, Briar, Nuala and Cindy all highlighted three powerful themes:
1. Apprenticeships build confidence: All three apprentices spoke about self-doubt in the beginning, only to finish feeling capable, trusted, and stronger in their roles.
2. Apprenticeships unlock career progression: Each apprentice has already advanced into leadership positions or taken on greater responsibility thanks to their training.
3. Apprenticeships open doors to new possibilities: From international placements to discovering new career paths, the programmes helped them see a future with more opportunities than they imagined.
What was their advice to future apprentices?
Just do it!
Briar shared her powerful personal story:
“My advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship is to just do it, you won’t regret it! I never liked school or education; I was a college dropout. But now I have 2 qualifications in the hospitality industry and a great job that I love, and confidence in myself I never thought I’d have.”
Nuala was equally clear:
“Definitely do it. It furthers your education and can further your job role.”
Cindy also offers encouragement to anyone unsure about taking the next step:
“You will surprise yourself in your ability to learn and apply yourself in situations you never thought you could. The experience will give you confidence in your abilities and the courage to move forward in whatever role you choose.”
Celebrating growth, ambition and opportunity
As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, the journeys of Briar, Nuala and Cindy show the real impact of high-quality apprenticeship pathways. Their success reflects not only the commitment of Skilled NI, Loughview Training Services and their employers, but also the structure and qualifications provided by iCQ Awards.
iCQ Awards’ role in delivering robust, fair and supportive awarding and assessment services ensures apprentices like these three are recognised for their competence, professionalism and readiness to progress.
These apprenticeships have helped each learner move into supervisory and leadership roles, apply their knowledge in fast‑paced environments, and take meaningful steps forward in their careers. It’s this combination of real-world learning, strong provider support, and rigorous assessments that continue to raise standards across hospitality and retail.
