Reece joined Wightlink Ltd in May 2023 as part of the Applications Team, taking on the role of Level 4 Applications Support Lead through a LearnTech apprenticeship. He successfully completed his programme in May 2025, earning a Merit!

Reflecting on why he chose the apprenticeship route, Reece shares,

“I felt it was the best way for me to get my foot in the door within the IT industry without going to university and getting a degree. I wanted to work my way up from the bottom, as university never seemed appealing to me.”

Throughout his apprenticeship, Reece embraced the dynamic nature of IT. While the unpredictability of systems presented challenges, he enjoyed the process of troubleshooting and diagnosing issues, turning problems into opportunities to learn.

One of his proudest achievements was solo developing a digital project management environment that utilised Power Platform, bringing everything together into one accessible place.

Reece highlights adaptability as a key area of growth,

“I’ve always been somewhat adaptable to new systems, but working in this job has made that skill a lot sharper.”

His tutor at LearnTech, Ashley, had high praise for Reece’s commitment and drive,

“Reece was a fantastic asset to the cohort. He consistently looked for ways to improve and apply theory in practical scenarios. He had an aptitude for understanding difficult concepts and if he didn’t get anything or found something difficult, he would go above and beyond to figure it out and improve his understanding. His clarity in communication and teamwork stood out, especially during his final assessments.“

Reece appreciated LearnTech’s live online training and after a brief adjustment, he quickly embraced the format,

“After a while it felt normal and I was able to absorb a lot more information. My tutor made the learning engaging and easy to follow.”

Looking ahead, Reece is enthusiastic about continuing his growth at Wightlink and expanding his knowledge of their systems. Now a permanent member of the team in the role of Application Support Analyst, he is actively contributing to several key projects. Drawing on the skills and experience gained during his apprenticeship, Reece has taken on the role of Internal Technical Lead for an initiative focused on project management software. In addition, he serves as a super user for Wightlink’s new integrated HR platform, which consolidates multiple services into one streamlined system. His work includes generating bespoke data-driven reports, showcasing his growing expertise and value to the organisation.

His advice for anyone considering a tech apprenticeship?

“It’s the best way forward to get into the industry of your choosing.”

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 Reece’s journey, check out our Apprentice Guide. We’re here to help, so do get in touch if you have any questions.