--- title: How it started vs. How it's going... description: Discover Robbie's inspiring journey from IT apprentice to Technical Infrastructure Lead at SG World. Learn why he recommends apprenticeships over traditional education and the benefits of learning on the job. image: https://blog.sgworld.com/hubfs/7459ba76-2dd0-46a8-964c-a32f2c7f75a5-1.jpg --- [![SG World](https://blog.sgworld.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/SGWorld_December2020/images/sg_world_logo_new_373x208.png?width=1000&height=1043&name=sg_world_logo_new_373x208.png "SG World")](https://www.sgworld.com/) [Login](https://www.sgworld.com/account/login) - For Business - [Contractor Management](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/contractor-management) - [Authorisation To Work Passes](https://www.sgworld.com/products/contractor-authorisation-to-work-passes) - [Customised Authorisation Passes](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/customised-contractor-authorisation-to-work-pass) - [Permits To Work](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/permit-to-work-products) - [5D Contractor Management Software](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-contractor) - [Contractor ID Service](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/id-bureau) - [Visitor Management](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/visitor-management-systems) - [Customised Visitor Pass](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/id-bureau) - [Off The Shelf Visitor Pass](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/off-the-shelf-visitor-pass) - [Touchscreen Software](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-visitor-for-business) - [Staff ID Service](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/id-bureau) - Sector - [Construction](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/construction-industry) - [Food Industry](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/food-processing-safety) - [Logistics](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/logisticswarehouselanding) - [Waste & Recycling](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/waste-recycling-industry) - [ElectIT](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/electit) - Workplace Safety - [Pre-Use Safety Inspections](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/pre-use-daily-inspections) - [Permits To Work](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/permit-to-work-products) - [Key Control](https://www.sgworld.com/products/key-control-system-standard-250-slips) - [Lock Out Tag Out](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/lock-out-tag-out) - [Near Miss Report Book](https://www.sgworld.com/products/near-miss-report-book) - Accessories - [Armbands](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/armbands) - [Clips](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/clips) - [Lanyards](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/lanyards) - [Lanyo-yos](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/lanyo-yos) - [Stationery](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/corporate-stationery) - [Wallets](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/corporate-stationery) - [Wristbands](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/wristbands) - [Writing Boards](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/writing-boards) - [Yo-Yos](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/yo-yos) - [For Education](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/education) - Safeguarding & Pupil Welfare - [Authorised Absence](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/authorised-absence) - [Incident Reporting](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/school-incident-reporting) - [Latecomers Registration](https://www.sgworld.com/products/latecomers-registration-high-school-packs-of-250) - [Medicine Administration](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/customised-medicine-administration-in-schools-record-book) - [Toilet & Continence Record Book](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/customised-toilet-and-continence-record-book) - [Visitor Management](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/school-visitor-management-systems) - [Customised Visitor Pass](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/customised-school-visitor-pass) - [Off The Shelf Visitor Pass](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/off-the-shelf-visitor-pass) - [Touchscreen Software](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/4dvisitor-for-schools) - [Staff ID Service](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/id-bureau) - [Contractor Management](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/contractor-management) - [Authorisation To Work Passes](https://www.sgworld.com/products/contractor-authorisation-to-work-passes) - [Customised Authorisation Passes](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/customised-contractor-authorisation-to-work-pass) - [Permits To Work](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-contractor) - [5D Contractor Management Software](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/contractor-management-software) - [Contractor ID Service](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/id-bureau) - Administration & Finance - [Asset Management Software](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/asset-management) - [Cheques](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/cheque-landing-page) - [Cash Collection Envelope](https://www.sgworld.com/products/school-cash-collection-envelopes-packs-of-1000) - [Good Received System](https://www.sgworld.com/products/goods-received-system-packs-of-250) - [Message & Absence Notebook](https://www.sgworld.com/products/school-telephone-message-and-absence-notification-system-pad-of-120) - [School Receipt Pad](https://www.sgworld.com/products/school-receipt-pad-packs-of-5) - Accessories - [Armbands](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/armbands) - [Clips](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/clips) - [Lanyards](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/lanyards) - [Lanyo-yos](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/lanyo-yos) - [Wallets](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/wallets) - [Wristbands](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/wristbands) - [Writing Boards](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/writing-boards) - [Yo-Yos](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/yo-yos) - Safety Signage - [All Safety Signage](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/all-safety-signage) - [Warning & Hazard](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/warning-hazard-safety-signage) - [Construction](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/construction-safety-signage) - [Fire Safety](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/fire-safety-signage) - [Access & Traffic](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/access-traffic-safety-signage) - [Safety Notice Boards](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/site-safety-notice-boards) - [Floor Safety Mats](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/safety-mats) - [Inspection Safety Signage](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/inspection-safety-signage) - 5D Software - [Visitor Management](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-visitor) - [For Business](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-visitor-for-business) - [For Schools](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-visitor-for-schools) - [Contractor Management](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-contractor) - [Asset Management](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-asset) - [For Business](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-asset-for-business) - [For Schools](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-asset-for-schools) - [Accident & Incident Reporting](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-accident-incident-reporting) - [About Us](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/why-sgworld) - Resources - [Blog](https://blog.sgworld.com/) - [Permits To Work Library](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/permit-to-work-information) - [Pre-Use Inspection Library](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/pre-use-safety-inspections) - [School Accident and Incident Reporting](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/school-accident-reporting) - [School Asset Management Library](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/school-asset-management) - [Visitor Management Library](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/visitor-management) - [Free Poster Library](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/workplace-safety-posters) [Login](https://www.sgworld.com/account/login) - For Business - [Contractor Management](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/contractor-management) - [Authorisation To Work Passes](https://www.sgworld.com/products/contractor-authorisation-to-work-passes) - [Customised Authorisation Passes](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/customised-contractor-authorisation-to-work-pass) - [Permits To Work](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/permit-to-work-products) - [5D Contractor Management Software](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-contractor) - [Contractor ID Service](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/id-bureau) - [Visitor Management](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/visitor-management-systems) - [Customised Visitor Pass](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/id-bureau) - [Off The Shelf Visitor Pass](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/off-the-shelf-visitor-pass) - [Touchscreen Software](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-visitor-for-business) - [Staff ID Service](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/id-bureau) - Sector - [Construction](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/construction-industry) - [Food Industry](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/food-processing-safety) - [Logistics](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/logisticswarehouselanding) - [Waste & Recycling](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/waste-recycling-industry) - [ElectIT](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/electit) - Workplace Safety - [Pre-Use Safety Inspections](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/pre-use-daily-inspections) - [Permits To Work](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/permit-to-work-products) - [Key Control](https://www.sgworld.com/products/key-control-system-standard-250-slips) - [Lock Out Tag Out](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/lock-out-tag-out) - [Near Miss Report Book](https://www.sgworld.com/products/near-miss-report-book) - Accessories - [Armbands](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/armbands) - [Clips](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/clips) - [Lanyards](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/lanyards) - [Lanyo-yos](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/lanyo-yos) - [Stationery](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/corporate-stationery) - [Wallets](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/corporate-stationery) - [Wristbands](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/wristbands) - [Writing Boards](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/writing-boards) - [Yo-Yos](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/yo-yos) - [For Education](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/education) - Safeguarding & Pupil Welfare - [Authorised Absence](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/authorised-absence) - [Incident Reporting](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/school-incident-reporting) - [Latecomers Registration](https://www.sgworld.com/products/latecomers-registration-high-school-packs-of-250) - [Medicine Administration](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/customised-medicine-administration-in-schools-record-book) - [Toilet & Continence Record Book](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/customised-toilet-and-continence-record-book) - [Visitor Management](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/school-visitor-management-systems) - [Customised Visitor Pass](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/customised-school-visitor-pass) - [Off The Shelf Visitor Pass](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/off-the-shelf-visitor-pass) - [Touchscreen Software](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/4dvisitor-for-schools) - [Staff ID Service](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/id-bureau) - [Contractor Management](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/contractor-management) - [Authorisation To Work Passes](https://www.sgworld.com/products/contractor-authorisation-to-work-passes) - [Customised Authorisation Passes](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/customised-contractor-authorisation-to-work-pass) - [Permits To Work](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-contractor) - [5D Contractor Management Software](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/contractor-management-software) - [Contractor ID Service](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/id-bureau) - Administration & Finance - [Asset Management Software](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/asset-management) - [Cheques](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/cheque-landing-page) - [Cash Collection Envelope](https://www.sgworld.com/products/school-cash-collection-envelopes-packs-of-1000) - [Good Received System](https://www.sgworld.com/products/goods-received-system-packs-of-250) - [Message & Absence Notebook](https://www.sgworld.com/products/school-telephone-message-and-absence-notification-system-pad-of-120) - [School Receipt Pad](https://www.sgworld.com/products/school-receipt-pad-packs-of-5) - Accessories - [Armbands](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/armbands) - [Clips](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/clips) - [Lanyards](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/lanyards) - [Lanyo-yos](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/lanyo-yos) - [Wallets](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/wallets) - [Wristbands](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/wristbands) - [Writing Boards](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/writing-boards) - [Yo-Yos](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/yo-yos) - Safety Signage - [All Safety Signage](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/all-safety-signage) - [Warning & Hazard](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/warning-hazard-safety-signage) - [Construction](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/construction-safety-signage) - [Fire Safety](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/fire-safety-signage) - [Access & Traffic](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/access-traffic-safety-signage) - [Safety Notice Boards](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/site-safety-notice-boards) - [Floor Safety Mats](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/safety-mats) - [Inspection Safety Signage](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/inspection-safety-signage) - 5D Software - [Visitor Management](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-visitor) - [For Business](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-visitor-for-business) - [For Schools](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-visitor-for-schools) - [Contractor Management](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-contractor) - [Asset Management](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-asset) - [For Business](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-asset-for-business) - [For Schools](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-asset-for-schools) - [Accident & Incident Reporting](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-accident-incident-reporting) - [About Us](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/why-sgworld) - Resources - [Blog](https://blog.sgworld.com/) - [Permits To Work Library](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/permit-to-work-information) - [Pre-Use Inspection Library](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/pre-use-safety-inspections) - [School Accident and Incident Reporting](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/school-accident-reporting) - [School Asset Management Library](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/school-asset-management) - [Visitor Management Library](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/visitor-management) - [Free Poster Library](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/workplace-safety-posters) February 8, 2024 James Marshall # How it started vs. How it's going... As National Apprenticeship Week 2024 draws to a close, we decided to talk to some of our former apprentices, and asked them for their success stories.  Today is Robbie's turn. He is now Technical Infrastructure Lead at SG World. 👇Here's his story 👇 Hi, I’m Robbie. I’m 26 now but my journey with SG World began when I was 17 years old. I had always been interested in technology, but I did not know what I wanted to do with my life when I finished Sixth Form. I decided to give an IT apprenticeship a try with a local company, hoping to learn some skills and get some experience. I never imagined that eight and a half years later, I would be a senior member of the IT department, working under the Head of technology, Dan Tooth, who has been my mentor throughout these years. During my apprenticeship I learned how to support the IT infrastructure of the company, which included hardware, software, networks, and security. I loved the diversity and challenge of the job, as well as the support and guidance I received from my colleagues and managers. After I completed my level 3 and level 4 courses, I progressed to Junior Infrastructure engineer and then became a fully fledged Infrastructure Engineer. Last year I got promoted to Technical Infrastructure Lead I would recommend going for an apprenticeship over College or University as, in my opinion, learning on the job is a lot more beneficial than learning in a classroom and being able to earn money and qualifications at the same time made much more sense to me.  #NAW2024 #NationalApprenticeshipWeek #SkillsForLife ### About James Marshall ### Latest Reads [Catch SG World at HSM Live Coventry This Week Jun 30, 2026](https://blog.sgworld.com/catch-sg-world-at-hsm-live-coventry-this-week) [Daily Vehicle Lift Safety Checks: PUWER Compliance for Garages Jun 29, 2026](https://blog.sgworld.com/daily-vehicle-lift-safety-checks-puwer-compliance-for-garages) ### Categories - [Health & Safety](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/health-safety) - [Education Solutions](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/education-solutions) - [Safety Inspections](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/safety-inspections) - [Visitor Health and Safety](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/visitor-health-and-safety) - [Visitor Management](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/visitor-management) - [Asset Management](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/asset-management) - [Contractor Management](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/contractor-management) - [Public Sector News](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/public-sector-news) - [School Safeguarding](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/school-safeguarding) - [Permit to work](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/permit-to-work) - [Case Study](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/case-study) - [Academies](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/academies) - [Inventory](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/inventory) - [Forklifts](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/forklifts) - [LOTO](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/loto) - [Visitor touchscreen](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/visitor-touchscreen) - [5D](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/5d) - [Construction](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/construction) - [HSE](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/hse) - [News](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/news) ## Follow us [mailto:web-enquiries@sgworld.com](mailto:web-enquiries@sgworld.com) ## Navigate - [Home](https://www.sgworld.com/) - [Search](https://www.sgworld.com/search) ## Contact - [Contact Us](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/contact-us-general) - [Request a Visit](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/arrange-a-visit) - [SG World Around the Globe](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/sgworld-around-the-globe) ## Support - [Software Support](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/support-centre) - [Shipping & Returns](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/shipping-and-returns) ## Legal - [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/terms-and-conditions) - [Cookie & Privacy Policy](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/terms-and-conditions) - [Shipping & Returns](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/shipping-and-returns) Copyright © 2020 SG World. We are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm. Give us a call on 01270 588211 ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "James Marshall", "url" : "https://blog.sgworld.com/author/james-marshall" }, "dateModified" : "2024-02-08T15:51:53.773Z", "datePublished" : "2024-02-08T15:51:53.000Z", "headline" : "How it started vs. How it's going...", "image" : [ "https://blog.sgworld.com/hubfs/7459ba76-2dd0-46a8-964c-a32f2c7f75a5-1.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.sgworld.com/how-it-started-vs.-how-its-going", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.sgworld.com/hubfs/SG%20World%20Logo%20(002).png" }, "name" : "SG World " } } ```