Data and AI are changing rapidly, making continuous learning an important part of developing your career.
For Fabiana Rushforth, undertaking an apprenticeship was an opportunity to build on her existing experience, strengthen her knowledge of data and approach her career from a new perspective.
After completing Kaplan’s Level 3 Data Technician apprenticeship with a Distinction, Fabiana was shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year at the UK IT Industry Awards.
Here’s how her journey unfolded, from returning to structured learning alongside her role as a Manager in the Core Data Management, Chief Data & AI Office at Lloyds Banking Group to applying what she learned in her work.
Taking a fresh approach to learning
Working in data management gave Fabiana a strong reason to keep developing her knowledge as the role of data and technology continues to change.
She wanted to use the apprenticeship to build a stronger understanding of the fundamentals, while also challenging herself to approach familiar areas from a different perspective.
“I deliberately chose the Level 3 Data Technician Apprenticeship because I wanted to strengthen my core understanding and build solid foundations.”
The decision also connected with Fabiana’s previous experience of supporting people at the start of their careers.
“I've always been passionate about apprenticeships. Earlier in my career, I worked for an apprenticeship provider and have supported early careers initiatives over the years, so becoming an apprentice myself felt like a real full circle moment.”
The pace of change across data and AI was another reason Fabiana felt the time was right to return to structured learning.
“Data and AI continue to evolve rapidly, and I saw the programme as an opportunity to continue learning, challenge myself and develop my skills through a structured approach.”
Turning complex data concepts into practical guidance
One of the projects Fabiana is most proud of involved developing organisation-wide data management enablement at Lloyds Banking Group.
The work brought together colleagues from across the organisation and involved developing an approach that could support people in their everyday work with data.
Fabiana worked with a range of stakeholders throughout the project, using their feedback to shape and refine the work as it developed.
The response from colleagues gave her a clear indication of the difference the project could make.
“Seeing colleagues become more confident in their understanding of data responsibilities and decision making was incredibly rewarding.”
Her studies also gave her another perspective to bring to the project, particularly when working through complex problems and considering how best to approach them.
“The apprenticeship helped me bring a more structured and analytical approach to that work, which definitely strengthened the final outcome.”
Strengthening her data knowledge
Fabiana was given the opportunity to broaden her knowledge across different areas of data through the programme, building on what she was already doing in her role at Lloyds Banking Group.
“The apprenticeship strengthened my understanding of data analysis, data governance, data quality and the wider data lifecycle.”
The learning also gave Fabiana a way to look at data beyond the specialist side of the subject and consider how it fits into the wider organisation.
“What I've found most valuable, though, is how it helped me connect technical concepts with practical business outcomes.”
That has been particularly relevant to Fabiana’s work with stakeholders, where understanding the subject is only part of the role. Being able to communicate ideas clearly and contribute to discussions is just as important.
“As a result, I feel much more confident discussing data concepts, asking questions, challenging assumptions and approaching new problems.”
For Fabiana, the apprenticeship has also reinforced the value of continuing to develop your knowledge, regardless of how established you are in your career.
“It also gave me reassurance that learning is a continuous process and that you don't need to know everything to contribute meaningfully.”
Finding a rhythm alongside work
Completing an apprenticeship alongside a full-time role meant Fabiana had to manage her studies around the demands of her existing responsibilities.
There were naturally times when her workload was heavier than others. Keeping things moving meant finding an approach that worked across those different periods rather than expecting every week to look the same.
“For me, organisation and consistency were key.”
Fabiana also reflected on how her apprenticeship fitted into her existing responsibilities.
“I tried not to think about the apprenticeship as something separate from my role. Instead, I looked for opportunities to connect the learning to the work I was already doing.”
When there was more to manage, Fabiana found that taking a step-by-step approach made it easier to maintain progress.
“Breaking larger tasks into smaller, manageable chunks also helped. Rather than worrying about everything at once, I focused on making steady progress each week.”
That approach also helped her put busy periods into perspective and avoid putting unnecessary pressure on herself.
“Most importantly, I learned not to be too hard on myself. Some weeks are always going to be busier than others, so it's about staying consistent over the long term rather than aiming for perfection every day.”
The value of having the right support
Fabiana’s experience with Kaplan was also shaped by the support available to her throughout the apprenticeship.
Her coach became an important source of guidance, particularly when the demands of work and study overlapped.
“My coach was fantastic and struck the right balance between encouragement and challenge.”
Having someone to turn to when things became more difficult helped Fabiana stay focused throughout the apprenticeship.
“There were moments where work and study pressures felt quite intense, but having someone there to keep me focused and provide guidance made a huge difference.”
That support was complemented by the encouragement Fabiana received from Lloyds Banking Group, helping her balance the apprenticeship with her day-to-day role.
Together, the support from her workplace and coach gave her the confidence to keep progressing while managing the demands of work and study.
For Fabiana, seeing the value of the apprenticeship in her daily work was an important part of the experience.
“I also liked how practical the learning felt. Rather than learning in isolation, I was able to apply concepts directly to my role, which helped everything feel relevant and meaningful.”
A distinction and national recognition
Completing the apprenticeship marked an important milestone in Fabiana’s development and brought her learning journey to a successful close.
“Completing the apprenticeship with a distinction was something I was incredibly proud of because it reflected the effort and commitment invested throughout the journey.”
Her achievement was followed by an opportunity she hadn't expected when she first began the programme. Kaplan nominated Fabiana for Apprentice of the Year at the UK IT Industry Awards, where she went on to be shortlisted.
“Honestly, I was really surprised. When I started the apprenticeship, my focus was simply on learning, developing my skills and getting the most out of the experience.”
The shortlist gave Fabiana an opportunity to reflect on the wider experience, particularly the work involved in completing an apprenticeship alongside an existing career.
“The recognition means a lot because it reflects the effort that goes into balancing work, study and personal commitments.”
It also strengthened her view that apprenticeships can have a place beyond the start of someone's career.
“More than that, it reinforces my belief that apprenticeships are valuable at any stage of your career and that investing in your own development is always worthwhile.”
Continuing to develop in data and AI
With the apprenticeship behind her, Fabiana is now looking ahead to how she can build on the experience in her career.
“The apprenticeship has strengthened my foundations and sparked even more interest in areas like data management, AI and how organisations can develop data capability at scale.”
That next stage will involve continuing to develop her expertise while contributing to the work around her.
“I want to keep learning, continue growing my expertise and look for opportunities where I can make a positive difference, both through my work and by supporting others on their own development journeys.”
Fabiana's advice for future apprentices
Having experienced an apprenticeship herself after working on the other side of the sector, Fabiana is keen to encourage others to consider whether one could support their own development.
Looking back on her own experience, Fabiana has three pieces of advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship:
- “Be curious, make the most of the support around you and don't be afraid to ask questions. The people supporting you genuinely want you to succeed.”
- “For those approaching final assessments, trust yourself. You've already done the hard work. Focus on telling your story, reflecting on what you've learned and demonstrating how you've applied it in practice.”
- “Most importantly, enjoy the journey. The qualification is important, but the growth that happens along the way is where the real value sits.”
Develop your data skills with Kaplan
Fabiana's experience highlights how an apprenticeship can give established professionals the opportunity to revisit their foundations, develop new skills and apply their learning in the workplace.
Her journey also demonstrates how continued learning can open up new areas of interest, from data management and governance to the growing role of AI within organisations.
If you're looking to develop your data and technology skills while gaining practical workplace experience, explore Kaplan's data and technology apprenticeships and discover how an apprenticeship could support your next stage of development.