The Apprenticeship Route: Hattie at Global Insurance Firm WTW

For many Sixth Form pupils, the road beyond Sedbergh leads straight to university. But for a growing number, including Hattie, that journey takes a different — and equally ambitious — path. Choosing an apprenticeship with global insurance firm WTW, where she will join the U.S. Casualty Team, Hattie has combined academic excellence with a clear vision for her future.

Her story captures what Sedbergh’s Pathways Programme is all about: matching intellectual curiosity with real‑world opportunity, helping pupils discover routes that align with their talents and aspirations. Supported by expert guidance, rigorous academics, and a culture that values independence of thought, Hattie has shown that success isn’t defined by a single route — it’s about finding the one that’s right for you.

Hattie’s story offers a compelling insight into the apprenticeship pathway—from early exploration and research through to a challenging application process—and demonstrates that there is no single definition of success, only the right pathway for each individual.

Sixth form subjects: Business, P.E., Geography

When did you first begin thinking about an apprenticeship? Was there something that sparked your interest?

I had always felt that university was not necessarily the right path for me, so from quite early on I knew I wanted to explore other options after school. What really sparked my interest in apprenticeships was seeing older students begin their own apprenticeship journeys. It made the route feel real and achievable. As I started looking into it more, I also saw young professionals sharing their experiences online, which gave me a much better understanding of the opportunities available and made me even more interested.

What made you choose an apprenticeship over a traditional university route?

For me, there were a few reasons why an apprenticeship stood out. I liked the idea of gaining real experience straight away, rather than waiting until after university to enter the workplace. In today’s job market, practical experience I feel is invaluable, and I wanted to start building that as early as possible. I was also keen to earn while learning and to be in a structured environment where I could develop professionally from day one.

How did you find out about the opportunities available, and what kind of research or guidance helped you narrow them down?

Finding apprenticeships can feel quite overwhelming at first because there are so many companies, industries, and different levels to consider. It is not as straightforward as UCAS, so I had to spend a lot of time researching what was out there and what suited me best. One of the most helpful resources for me was Young Professionals, as they regularly shared updates about applications opening and available roles. I found that once I started thinking more seriously about the type of sector I wanted to go into, it became much easier to narrow things down.

What did the application process look like from start to finish?

After a lot of research, I came across WTW and decided it was somewhere I would really like to apply to. The first stage was submitting an online application. After that, I progressed to online assessments, which included numerical reasoning and problem-solving tasks. The final stage was an interview, followed by a team exercise where we had to work together to solve a problem. It was a challenging process, but also a valuable experience.

Were there any parts of the process that you felt confident about, or parts that really stretched you?

The most challenging part for me was the interview stage, simply because you know how important it is. There can be a lot of pressure in that moment. However, I found that the best thing to do was focus on being myself rather than trying to give “perfect” answers. I wanted them to see who I was as a person, how I would work with others, and what strengths I could bring to the role.

What skills and experience that you’ve gained at school stood out for you as being most useful in your application?

I think a lot of my time at Sedbergh helped prepare me more than I realised at the time. The school gives you so many opportunities if you get involved, and those experiences give you examples to talk about in applications and interviews. Things like the Wilson Run taught me resilience and determination, House roles developed leadership skills, and sport taught me teamwork, discipline, and how to perform under pressure. Those were all things I was able to draw on during the process.

Conversely, were there any skills or experiences that, in hindsight, you think you could have worked on more during your time at school?

Looking back, I think I would have spent more time developing my confidence in public speaking and interviews. Being able to communicate clearly and confidently is such an important skill, especially during applications and assessment days. It is something that becomes more valuable the older you get.

Are there any personal qualities or habits that you think made you stand out in your applications?

I think one of my strengths is that I naturally enjoy taking responsibility and stepping into leadership roles when needed. I also genuinely enjoy working with other people, which helped during group exercises. I like bringing people together and keeping everyone focused on the task. I am also a very organised person, and I think that helped me stay on top of deadlines and present myself professionally throughout the process.

Who supported you along the way — teachers, mentors, family — and what kind of advice made the biggest difference?

I was very lucky to have a lot of support from both my family and teachers, especially Mr Robinson, who was a huge help throughout the process. They helped me keep track of deadlines, look at opportunities, and stay motivated. The best advice I received was to stay open-minded and not become discouraged if things did not go perfectly straight away. Apprenticeships are competitive, so staying positive and persistent makes a big difference.

What are you most excited about as you start your apprenticeship, both academically and professionally?

I am excited to start learning something completely new and developing knowledge in an area I currently know less about. I enjoy learning through doing, so the chance to gain qualifications while working really appeals to me. Professionally, I am looking forward to being part of a team, meeting new people, and experiencing life in a professional environment.

If you could give one piece of advice to younger pupils considering this path, what would it be?

My biggest piece of advice would be not to worry about following the crowd. It can feel difficult when many people around you are choosing university, but that does not mean it is the right path for everyone. If apprenticeships interest you, take the time to research them properly, understand the opportunities available, and put real effort into your applications. Most importantly, stay optimistic and back yourself there are some fantastic opportunities out there.