I honestly can’t believe how much I’ve achieved in just 12 months. A year ago, I’d never touched WordPress or written an email campaign. Now, I feel like I’ve found my place. And yes, I’ve learned so much, but I know there’s still a lot more to discover and develop. So, let’s take a moment to reflect on some of my top achievements from this past year:

• I started building my LinkedIn profile and developing my knowledge of so many tools

• I changed my name to Zach Bennett at work

• I launched this monthly blog, which received praise via a personal note from our CEO.

• I joined the AOA (Association of Apprentices) and EMAAN (East Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network) networks and attended loads of events.

• I delivered talks in schools about apprenticeships and was awarded the EMAAN Star Award, a very proud moment.

• I won the Highly Commended Appy Snappers Award – a photography competition.

• I became a finalist in the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards.

I’m genuinely proud of myself. I’ve developed so many skills at work and grown so much as a person outside of it too. In fact, I’m even moving out next month! The deposit is paid, and I’m incredibly excited to start this new chapter of my life.

So let’s dive in!

The EMAAN Star Award

One of the biggest highlights this month was attending the EMAAN Summer Unconference (I say “summer” but it was pouring down with rain as I wrote this, typical British weather!).

When I arrived, the first thing I noticed was the coffee machine – a very fancy one. After a bit of trial and error (and a laugh with Muhammed), we finally got it working! That little moment actually set the tone for the whole day – full of teamwork, connection, and a shared mission.

Bobby took us through our goals and progress as a network, and I’m really excited about what’s ahead. We’re committed to hitting our KPIs and visiting more schools to talk about apprenticeships. Young people deserve to know that university isn’t the only option. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t taken the apprenticeship route, it’s truly changed my life.

We also heard from Mediaq UK about their apprenticeship programmes and got to check out their massive stockroom, which was very impressive! Lunch was fantastic too, with so many inclusive options, including halal meals for our Muslim members, which was lovely to see.

There were great breakout sessions where we chatted about everything from AI to National Apprenticeship Week 2026. We also heard from UCAS and learned about a new EDI group being developed by Iqura. This really resonated with me because representation matters. When young people from minority backgrounds or with disabilities see someone like them doing well, it can be life changing. It’s powerful to feel seen and know that your future is full of potential.

And then came a big surprise… EMAAN announced a brand-new set of awards, and I was honoured with the EMAAN Star Award! I was honestly speechless. It felt incredible to have my work within the network recognised – to feel valued, appreciated, and part of something bigger. I’m so grateful and even more motivated to keep making an impact.

Having a supportive team

This month, I also had a really meaningful meeting with Katie, who usually supports me with design. We had a different kind of chat – one focused on how my brain works differently and how that shapes the way I approach work.

Katie and I are quite similar in how we process things, so it was reassuring and validating to talk with someone who truly understands. We discussed the challenges we’ve both faced, how we’ve adapted over time, and ways we can create strategies that support our ways of thinking.

Being neurodivergent can often feel like the world isn’t built for your brain. But this conversation reminded me that there’s nothing wrong with how I think – I just work differently. We talked about how tough it can be when priorities suddenly change, or when I find it hard to retain information after reading or meetings. We explored ways to make things easier, such as utilising tools tailored to my processing style and incorporating reflection time after meetings.

I’m not expected to change who I am. I’m supported to work in a way that works for me – and that kind of inclusion makes all the difference. I’m truly grateful to be part of a team that values neurodiversity and actively helps me thrive.

Shoutout to my amazing team: Mariamama, Katie and Maya for all of their amazing support with my first year at Skills and Education Group!

Moving Out – A New Chapter

Something huge is happening outside of work too…I’m moving out! This is such a big moment for me. I’m starting a brand-new chapter, and I couldn’t be more excited. Thanks to my apprenticeship, I’ve gained the skills, confidence, and financial stability to take this step.

The flat is amazing, it’s right in the city centre and close to work, which is going to make life so much easier. It feels like everything is coming together, and I’m so ready for this next stage of independence.

Looking Back – and Ahead

I’ve achieved so much this month, and I’m honestly really proud of where I am right now. I’ve found a career I love, a team that supports me, and opportunities I never imagined. I’m growing, I’m learning, and I’m feeling more like myself than ever.

So, thank you, Skills and Education Group, for everything you’ve done this year. It’s been life-changing, and I can’t wait to see what the next one brings.