Building Futures: Alex & Zac’s Apprenticeship Journey at S2S Group
By Faye Barton Fowler, February 2025
“At S2S Group, investing in young talent is a key part of my role within recruitment as HR Manager and I’m proud of our commitment to building a skilled workforce in IT asset recycling and secure data destruction.
Apprenticeships provide an excellent pathway for individuals to develop technical skills while gaining hands-on experience in a fast-paced industry.”

National Apprenticeship Week 2025: Investing in the Future
National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), this year taking place from 10th to 16th February, is an annual celebration of apprenticeships across the UK, highlighting the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses, and the economy.
First introduced in 2007, NAW aims to showcase how apprenticeships help bridge the skills gap and create career opportunities. In 2024, over 300,000 people started apprenticeships in the UK, demonstrating the growing appeal of this career route.
At S2S Group, we have proudly supported apprenticeships since 2022. Over the years, we have welcomed eight apprentices into our team through an ongoing recruitment cycle. With our Technical Operative apprenticeships, we have seen a 100% success rate – all apprentices who have successfully passed their training have gone on to secure ongoing positions with us. This is a testament to the strength of our programme and the talent of our apprentices.
Meet Alex & Zac: Their Journey into IT
Meet Alex and Zac, two of our talented apprentices currently completing their Level 3 IT Solutions Technician Apprenticeship with us. For Alex and Zac, the decision to take on an apprenticeship with S2S Group was driven by a desire to gain real-world experience while continuing their education.
Alex, 19, attended sixth form before joining S2S Group. Outside of work, he enjoys gaming, darts, and keeping up with the latest tech trends. His interest in IT started at a young age, and he knew he wanted a hands-on role in the field rather than following a traditional university route.
Zac, 18, joined S2S Group with a strong interest in IT security and hardware. He enjoys building custom PCs in his spare time and has always been fascinated by the inner workings of technology. His decision to pursue an apprenticeship was driven by the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in IT asset management and data security.
Why Choose an Apprenticeship?
Alex: “I liked the idea of learning on the job rather than just studying in a classroom. Being able to apply what I learn straight away makes a big difference.”
Zac: “I wanted to build a career in IT, and an apprenticeship gave me the best opportunity to learn while working. I love that every day brings a new challenge.”
The Learning Curve: Skills, Challenges & Support
Since joining S2S Group, Alex and Zac have been developing key IT skills while gaining a deeper understanding of secure IT asset recycling.
What key skills have you developed so far?
Alex: “I’ve learned so much about troubleshooting, software installations, and secure data erasure. I’m also improving my communication and problem-solving skills every day.”
Zac: “I’ve learned a lot about IT asset management, data security, and how to handle different types of hardware. It’s given me a strong foundation for my future career.”
What challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?
Alex: “At first, it was a challenge to adapt to the fast-paced environment, but with the help of my colleagues and mentors, I’ve gained confidence in handling different tasks.”
Zac: “Understanding the complex processes of IT asset disposal and secure data handling was challenging at first, but the hands-on experience and guidance from my mentors have made it much easier.”
Career Growth & Future Aspirations
Both apprentices see a strong future in IT and hope to continue growing within the industry.
What are your career goals after completing the apprenticeship?
Alex: “I want to keep developing my skills in IT and work towards a more senior role in the industry.”
Zac: “I hope to continue working in IT and specialise further in areas like cybersecurity or cloud computing.”
How has this experience shaped your career outlook?
Alex: “Working here has given me insight into different areas of IT, and I’m excited to see where it takes me.”
Zac: “The experience has reinforced my passion for IT security, and I’m eager to keep learning and growing.”
Why Apprenticeships Matter at S2S Group – Quote from Faye Fowler, HR Manager
“At S2S Group, we’re passionate about investing in the future of young talent through our apprenticeship programs. We offer a unique opportunity for individuals to develop their skills, gain hands-on experience, and kickstart their careers in a supportive and dynamic environment. Our apprenticeships are designed to give real, meaningful work experience while providing the guidance and mentorship that each apprentice needs to thrive.
We believe that apprenticeships are a win-win – not only do we get to nurture the next generation of professionals, but our apprentices bring fresh perspectives and new energy to the business. Feedback from our current and past apprentices has been overwhelmingly positive – they appreciate the practical skills they develop, the opportunities for career progression, and the supportive work culture at S2S Group.
As an apprentice at S2S Group, you’ll benefit from a range of perks, including hands-on training, dedicated mentors and a health cash plan, just to name a few! You’ll also be part of a team that values growth, encourages personal development, and provides ongoing support every step of the way.
If you’re looking for a rewarding career path where you can learn, grow, and make a real impact, we encourage you to apply for one of our apprenticeships and join S2S Group.”
The Impact of Apprenticeships on S2S Group
We have seen first-hand how apprenticeships bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to the business. Over the years, we have had several apprentices who have gone on to take full-time roles within the company, contributing to our ongoing success.
Alex and Zac’s journeys highlight how apprenticeships can provide a strong foundation for a successful career in IT. Through hands-on experience, mentorship, and training, they are developing the skills needed to thrive in the industry.
Interested in apprenticeships at S2S Group? Keep an eye on our website and social media for future opportunities!