Harrison works in the IT Business Estates Team at the Northampton University and has recently completed his Level 4 Applications Support Lead apprenticeship with us. He began his apprenticeship in October 2023 and achieved a merit in September 2025, combining real-world experience with structured learning to accelerate his development.

“I wanted to get on the job experience and learn at the same time,”

Harrison says.

For him, an apprenticeship offered the ideal balance of earning, learning and building a meaningful career in tech.

Learning On the Job

Balancing responsibilities with apprenticeship study was one of Harrison’s biggest challenges. Staying organised and managing competing priorities pushed him to develop stronger time management and problem-solving skills, which he now uses in his role daily.

One of his proudest achievements has been providing new technical solutions across different regions of the university, helping teams work more effectively. Completing his apprenticeship with a merit is another milestone that reflects his commitment and hard work.

Looking ahead, Harrison’s ambitions are clear – he hopes to progress through the organisation and work towards becoming a project manager.

Support That Makes a Difference

Throughout his apprenticeship, Harrison was supported by his LearnTech tutor, Steve Charles, who highlights his dedication,

“Harrison has been an excellent apprentice throughout his apprenticeship, with a genuine desire to learn as much as possible about the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to become an Application Support Lead. The well-deserved grade of merit he achieved reflects the effort he put into his study and the quality of his work.”

Harrison describes his LearnTech experience as positive and encouraging, with a tutor who pushed him to achieve his best. He also found the live online training interactive and detailed, helping him apply learning directly to his role.

Making an Impact at the University

From an employer perspective, Harrison has become a highly valued member of the team. His manager, Steve Jolley, shares,

“Harrison has become an invaluable member of the team. He brings a positive and energetic attitude towards both individual and team work, and it has been a pleasure to see Harrison flourish. We’ve received high praise from key senior stakeholders within the University – Harrison’s professionalism and growth has been clear all through his apprenticeship.”

Harrison’s development has had a clear impact, both within his team and across the wider university, demonstrating the long-term value of investing in apprenticeships.

Advice for Future Apprentices

For anyone considering a tech apprenticeship, Harrison’s message is clear,

“Definitely worth the time you invest into it, especially if you’re unsure about other options. It’s a great way to build up a qualification whilst also getting real experience, which makes you very employable.”

Harrison’s story highlights how apprenticeships can build confidence, capability and long-term career prospects – while delivering tangible benefits to employers.

At LearnTech, we’re dedicated to empowering the next generation of tech professionals, so if you’re an organisation that would benefit from hiring a tech apprentice, 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 Harrison’s journey, take a look at our Apprentice Guide. We’re here to help, so do get in touch if you have any questions.