National Apprenticeship Week, 9-15 Feb 2026
As we kick off National Apprenticeship Week 2026, I am proud to reflect on how far apprenticeships have come and more importantly, to share what lies ahead at On Course South West.
Apprenticeships are about creating genuine opportunities, developing confidence and skills, and supporting both learners and employers with high quality, meaningful training. Over the past year we have continued to strengthen our provision focusing on quality, consistency, and learner experience and I’m genuinely excited about what we are now able to offer.
Our Apprenticeship Offer
On Course South West delivers a quality driven apprenticeship provision that responds directly to employer needs while supporting individuals to build long term careers. Our current offer includes apprenticeships across business, digital, leadership, finance, customer service, IT, cyber security and health and social care:
Content Creator Level 3
Business Administrator Level 3
Team Leader Level 3
Accounts/Finance Assistant Level 2
Assistant Accountant Level 3
Customer Service Practitioner Level 2
Digital Support Technician Level 3
IT Solutions Technician (ST0505) Level 3
Cyber Security Technician Level 3
Adult Care Worker Level 2
Healthcare Support Worker Level 2
Senior Healthcare Support Worker Level 3
Lead Adult Care Worker Level 3
This offer reflects our commitment to supporting learners at different stages of their journey, from entry-level roles through to leadership and specialist pathways.
A Focus on Quality and Support
What really sets On Course South West apart is the way we deliver our apprenticeships. We place strong emphasis on quality, pastoral support and meaningful progress. Our apprentices are supported by experienced assessors and staff who understand the realities of the workplace and the importance of balancing learning with real life commitments.
We work closely with employers to ensure apprentices are developing the right skills, knowledge and behaviours, while also feeling supported, valued and confident in their role. This collaborative approach is something we are incredibly proud of and continue to build upon.
Looking Ahead
National Apprenticeship Week is always a moment to celebrate success, but it’s also a chance to look forward. In 2026, we are focused on strengthening employer partnerships and continuing to raise standards across everything we do.
Whether you are an employer looking to invest in your workforce, or an individual considering the next step in your career, apprenticeships with On Course South West offer a supportive, high quality route to real progression.
Thank you to our apprentices, employers, assessors and teams who make this provision what it is. I look forward to celebrating your achievements throughout National Apprenticeship Week and beyond.
Tim Scott-Lloyd
Apprenticeship Manager
On Course South West
Celebrating Amazing Apprentices!
Local Apprentice Sophie Piccioni-Vero Celebrated for Outstanding Success at Devon Women in Business Awards
On Course South West are proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Sophie Piccioni-Vero, who has recently been honoured for her exceptional contributions to the local business community in her apprenticeship role. Sophie, who was the first Creative Content Apprentice at On Course South West, working for CATERed, was recently named Female Apprentice of the Year 2025 at the prestigious Devon Women in Business Awards.
Throughout her apprenticeship, Sophie has been a driving force in modernising the digital outreach for CATERed. By bridging the gap between education and industry, she has utilised her marketing training to produce high-impact content that resonated with schools and families across the region.
The Devon Women in Business judges praised Sophie as a professional who truly "shines in her role." They highlighted her ability to:
Fully embrace her workplace culture, becoming an indispensable member of the team.
Support and inspire her colleagues through collaborative projects.
Maintain a clear, ambitious vision for her future career within the creative industries.
Sophie’s success is not limited to regional accolades. Her dedication to excellence in the school food sector also earned her an award for the National LACA Awards 2025. This award recognises her talent for marketing and her commitment to promoting healthy school meals through innovative digital storytelling.
On Course South West is immensely proud of Sophie’s journey. Her story serves as a testament to the power of apprenticeships in providing young professionals with the platform to achieve national recognition while delivering tangible value to local businesses.
"Sophie’s journey from our first Creative Content Apprentice to an award-winning professional is a fantastic achievement. She represents the very best of what vocational training can accomplish for the future of Plymouth’s workforce." - Clint Jones, Curriculum Lead.
Ocean City Media: From One Apprentice to Three
Ocean City Media, a rising creative force in Plymouth, is proving that local talent is the ultimate engine for growth. The agency recently tripled its apprentice roster, welcoming two new recruits, Peter and Sam, to the team.
This expansion isn't just about increasing headcount; it’s a testament to the agency’s dedication to building a sustainable bridge between education and the professional media landscape. By investing in fresh perspectives, Ocean City Media is cementing its reputation as a hub for nurturing the next generation of creatives.
We sat down with Peter and Sam to discuss their journey into the industry and what life is like on the front lines of a busy media agency.
Q: What was your "light bulb moment"—the specific reason you chose an apprenticeship over university or a traditional job?
Peter: I never really wanted to go to university because I much prefer getting hands-on experience. I felt that you get that a lot more through an apprenticeship than you ever would at uni.
Sam: Mine was pretty similar. I actually went to a uni open day and spoke to them, and they admitted that hands-on experience in the workplace is vital, especially in the media industry. I felt like I had more to learn after my A-Levels, so an apprenticeship seemed like the best of both worlds.
Q: What has been the biggest surprise about your apprenticeship so far, and how has it changed your view of the media industry?
Sam: For me, it was getting over my "imposter syndrome." I expected to know absolutely nothing and be completely shadowed by everyone else, but I realized I could jump in and contribute.
Peter: I was surprised by how much of this industry is not just video-based stuff. There is a lot of client feedback and talking to clients—way more than you’d expect. You think you’ll be working on videos all day, but communication is a huge part of the job.
Q: What is the most valuable soft skill you have gained by being immersed in a professional environment?
Peter: Definitely teamwork skills. It really helps when you have such a good team to work with.
Sam: Learning how to work together on projects in a professional way. It’s a completely different thing to move ideas around people, communicate effectively, delegate, and—most importantly—trust other people with the work.
Q: If you could go back and give your "Day One" self a piece of advice, what would it be?
Peter: Don’t get stressed about it. It’s a really nice team. You’re an apprentice, so you are going to make mistakes, and you’re going to learn from them.
Sam: Just be confident and don’t worry. Everybody is human; you’ll make mistakes, but you learn more every single day.
Q: Where do you hope this apprenticeship will take you in the future?
Peter: In a year and a half, I want to look back and feel like I’ve learned a lot from working with these people—things I couldn't have just learned by myself. I feel like I’m already doing that.
Sam: I want to feel like I’ve learned enough to transition perfectly into a full-time job, where I can be in the workplace and handle the role without any questions.
Interested in hiring an apprentice to help grow your organisation? Please contact our Apprenticeship Manager Tim - Tim.Scott-Loyd@plymouth.gov.uk
