---
title: "National Apprenticeship Week 2024: Leilani's Story"
description: "Read Leilani's inspiring story as she shares her journey as an apprentice in the finance team at SG World. Discover how apprenticeships offer valuable experience, support, and professional qualifications without student debt. #SkillsForLife #NAW2024"
---

[News](https://blog.sgworld.com)

# [National Apprenticeship Week 2024: Leilani's Story](https://blog.sgworld.com/national-apprenticeship-week-2024-leilanis-story)

 Written by [James Marshall](https://blog.sgworld.com/author/james-marshall) | Feb 7, 2024 11:51:34 AM

It's National Apprenticeship Week 2024 [#SkillsForLife](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=skillsforlife&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7160659627246829569)

👇Today's account comes from prodigious accounting talent & 2023 South Cheshire Chamber Apprentice of The Year Finalist, Leilani Evans; one of a growing number of apprentices in the finance team headed by Finance Director Debbie Brandon-Sweeney👇

 

Hi, I’m Leilani and I am a Trainee Financial Accountant at SG World. I am currently working as an apprentice and have been for nearly two years!

Before I left school, I found there was an immense pressure to choose College & University as an option for further education. If I’m being honest I have no idea why? The two things that have been invaluable to my successes are experience & support from people who have previously been in my position, and they are the two things I wouldn’t have received if I hadn’t gone down the apprenticeship route.

One of the biggest misconceptions I found surrounding apprenticeships are that they are second best to a degree achieved in college/university. I can confirm this is a myth, becoming an apprentice I have been able to complete a professional qualification whilst working, earning money, and gaining practical work experience. At the end of an apprenticeship, I will have a professional qualification that I can take anywhere (without the student debt!)

I have certainly found a great support system within my apprenticeship; my mentor Beth has been vital to all my successes, and I truly wouldn’t be in the position I’m in now without her. Her ability to support me through my apprenticeship journey whilst progressing through her own is something I will always be extremely appreciative of. 

With all that being said – I am also thankful for everyone at SG World who has given their time and patience into opening up opportunities for me that I would never have even considered as realistic at this stage in my career.

And that is why I chose to be an apprentice!😊

[View full post](https://blog.sgworld.com/national-apprenticeship-week-2024-leilanis-story)

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