Hina started her Level 7 AI Data Specialist apprenticeship in December 2025, working at UKind Therapy. UKind Therapy empowers survivors of domestic abuse by offering innovative VR therapy and comprehensive self-help programmes designed to promote healing and personal growth.

Hina said…

“I chose an apprenticeship because I learn best by doing, not just studying theory. A traditional route would have given me knowledge, but an apprenticeship lets me apply it to real problems from day one and for me that’s where things click. It also fit where I wanted to go. I wanted to work in AI and technology on something that matters, not just build skills in the abstract.”

Learning by Doing

For Hina, an apprenticeship offered the chance to combine learning with meaningful impact. Through her apprenticeship, she is working as Lead AI Engineer, developing trauma-informed mental health technology, including AI systems, VR solutions and backend architecture designed to support people who are struggling and waiting for help. The opportunity to apply new knowledge directly to a live product with real users has been a key part of her experience.

“I’m learning the theory and immediately using it on a live product with real users. That combination is rare, and it’s exactly what I wanted. And practically, an apprenticeship let me build a career and a qualification at the same time, without stepping away from real work to do it. I’d rather prove what I can do by building something real than only learn about it on paper.”

Overcoming Challenges

Hina’s most significant challenge came before the apprenticeship had even started – finding the right opportunity. It took persistence from both Hina and her manager to find a programme that was the right fit, teaching her valuable lessons before day one.

When asked about the challenges she has faced during her apprenticeship journey, Hina said…

“The bigger challenge has been day to day. There have been mornings I’ve wanted to quit – moments where it all felt like too much. But each time, I’ve found the courage to show up and step back into it. Learning to push through those moments, rather than let them win, has been the most valuable thing I’ve learned. For me, the real challenge hasn’t been the technical work it’s been proving to myself that I can keep going. And I have.”

Achievements and Recognition

One of Hina’s biggest achievements to date has been progressing into the role of Lead AI Engineer at UKind Therapy while still completing her apprenticeship. Having set out with the ambition of building a career in technology, she is now working on AI and VR systems that support people affected by trauma, combining practical experience with her ongoing learning.

A particularly memorable milestone was being shortlisted and highly commended for Apprentice of the Year at the Yorkshire Young Professionals Awards. The recognition reinforced the value of Hina’s hard work and highlighted how far she has progressed towards her career ambitions. She was also shortlisted as a finalist for Volunteer of the Year in the BBC Radio Leeds Make a Difference Awards.

For Hina, success is about more than job titles or awards. It reflects her personal and professional growth and the journey that has led her to develop solutions that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

A Manager’s Perspective

Hina’s manager, Amanda, is proud of what she has achieved so far…

“Hina’s journey with us is a powerful example of what happens when talent is recognised and given the space to grow. We first met Hina in March 2025 during the first phase of our survivor research, when she was living in a refuge. At that point, she contributed as a research participant and helped shape the early direction of our trauma-informed technology. She shared with us that she was a back-end software developer with a real passion for using tech to improve lives. After the research, Hina reached out to volunteer with us and quickly showed exceptional skill, compassion and commitment. In December, Hina began her apprenticeship with LearnTech. Working alongside a senior developer, she is now helping to build the very technology she once helped to test. That’s pretty full circle, isn’t it? Today, she is a valued member of our development team, bringing together her technical expertise and lived experience. And that helps create digital tools that genuinely meet survivors’ needs. Her story shows how opportunity, education and belief in someone’s potential can be genuinely transformative. And we are really proud of everything she has achieved.”

Developing New Skills

Alongside her apprenticeship programme, Hina has also been developing her maths through a Functional Skills qualification, no small feat when balancing work and apprenticeship studies.

Dave, her LearnTech maths tutor said…

“Hina started her maths journey with me in January, lacking confidence in both herself and her mathematical ability. Since then, she has made incredible progress, growing both her skills and self-belief with every session. I’m so proud of how far she’s come, and I have every confidence that she will successfully complete both her functional skills qualification and her apprenticeship. Keep up the fantastic work, Hina – your hard work is paying off.”

Why LearnTech?

Hina also praised the support she has received from LearnTech throughout her apprenticeship…

“My learning experience with LearnTech has been really positive. The training is practical and well-structured, and I’ve been able to apply what I learn straight into real work at UKind rather than just studying theory. My tutor has been supportive and approachable – always happy to explain things clearly and push me when I need it. That balance of guidance and encouragement has made a real difference to my confidence and progress.”

Hina finds the live online training particularly valuable. Having sessions in real time means she can ask questions as they come up and learn directly from her tutor, rather than working through everything alone. The format works well because it is interactive, easy to follow and enables her to apply new learning directly to her role. Online delivery also provides the flexibility to fit training around day-to-day responsibilities.

Advice for Future Apprentices

When asked what she would say to anyone considering an apprenticeship in tech, Hina had these inspiring words…

“Go for it. An apprenticeship gives you something a classroom can’t – real work, real skills and real experience all at once, while you earn and learn. It won’t always be easy. There’ll be days it feels like a lot. I started out just hoping for a career in tech at one of the lowest points of my life, the kind of point where a lot of people give up. I didn’t. And if I could keep going then, you can too. Now, through my apprenticeship, I’m working as Lead AI Engineer on AI and immersive technology that genuinely helps people. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to be willing to learn and to keep showing up. Take the chance you might surprise yourself with how far you go.”

The Employer Perspective

Alongside reflecting on Hina’s achievements, Amanda also shared how employing an apprentice has benefited the organisation…

“Becoming an apprentice employer has transformed our organisation in ways we never expected. At UKind Therapy CIC and Fix Your Future Ltd, we believe that real innovation is shaped by the people we aim to support. Through Hina’s Level 7 AI Data Specialist apprenticeship with LearnTech we’ve not only invested in exceptional talent, we’ve strengthened our commitment to co-design and survivor leadership.”

Hina’s journey is a powerful example of that approach in action. She originally joined the organisation as a research participant, helping to test and shape its technology before progressing into the development team. Today, she works alongside a senior software developer, applying advanced AI skills while bringing valuable lived experience to the development process. For the organisation, that perspective has become an integral part of designing technology that genuinely meets users’ needs.

The apprenticeship has also helped UKind Therapy develop specialist AI capability in-house, expand its team and support Hina in pursuing her ambition of studying at master’s level, while contributing to projects that make a meaningful difference.

“That lived experience perspective, embedded throughout the development process, is invaluable. For us, apprenticeships are about far more than technical training. They create opportunities, build confidence and help organisations like ours unlock talent that might otherwise be overlooked. We’re incredibly proud of Hina’s journey and the way it has strengthened our team and our technology. We’d encourage other employers to embrace apprenticeships as a powerful way to invest in both people and innovation.”

Supporting Apprentice Success

Working as UKind Therapy’s Account Manager at LearnTech, Anija said…

“UKind Therapy first got in touch with us in September 2025, and after having various calls with their founder, Amanda, we were able to create a plan for their volunteer-turned-apprentice, Hina. It has been great hearing about the important work that UKind Therapy is doing and seeing how far Hina has come. Hina has been on programme with us since December 2025 and is due to enter Gateway next August, so time has really flown by. We keep in touch with Amanda to keep her updated on Hina’s progress, which has been impressive. Overall, it has been an absolute pleasure working with UKind Therapy and I can’t wait to see what Hina does next!”

Building Careers Through Apprenticeships

Hina’s story highlights the impact of tech apprenticeships for both learners and employers.

At LearnTech, we’re dedicated to developing the next generation of tech professionals. If you’re an organisation that would benefit from hiring a tech apprentice or upskilling a current team member, explore our Employer Guide to get started, or contact us to book a no-obligation Information Session.

Alternatively, if you’re an individual inspired by Hina’s journey, take a look at our Apprentice Guide. We’re here to help, so do get in touch if you have any questions.