by Eleasha Hylton-Rowe | February 12, 2026
As part of National Apprenticeship Week, APS Security is proud to celebrate the apprentices across our business who are developing new skills, building confidence and shaping their future careers within the fire and security industry.
Apprenticeships play an important role at APS and the Obsequio Group, not only for those starting out in their careers but also for individuals looking to develop their knowledge, gain recognised qualifications and progress within their existing roles. This year, we’re shining a spotlight on three of our apprentices — Sophie Leggat, Deanna Birtles, and Josh McLoughlin — each at different stages of their careers, but all benefiting from the opportunities apprenticeships provide.
For Sophie, choosing an apprenticeship offered the opportunity to gain practical experience while continuing to learn.
“I prefer the idea of an apprenticeship to attending university because it allows me to work and learn at the same time,” she explains. “Some of the skills I’ve gained couldn’t have been learned in a classroom environment.”
When Sophie found out she had secured her apprenticeship, she was excited about the opportunity to develop new skills while gaining real workplace experience.
Since starting her apprenticeship, Sophie has seen significant personal development, particularly in areas that are essential to a busy administrative role.
“I have improved my time management skills, allowing me to balance college work with my day-to-day responsibilities,” she says. “I’ve also become more confident when speaking to customers on the phone, as I was very nervous when I first started.”
Her communication skills have continued to develop too, with improvements in email communication and customer interaction giving her greater confidence in her role.
Looking ahead, Sophie is excited to complete her apprenticeship and see where the skills she has gained will take her next. Her advice for anyone considering a similar path is simple: “Be open to learning and don’t be scared to ask questions. An apprenticeship gives you loads of hands-on experience, so make the most of it and learn as you go.”
Apprenticeships are not only for school leavers, and Deanna’s experience demonstrates how valuable they can be for career development at any stage.
Having worked at APS for over two years, Deanna decided to return to formal learning 15 years after leaving school through her Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship, and has admitted that she’s surprised herself at how much she enjoys the academic side.
“My biggest surprise has been how much I have enjoyed writing reports again,” she explains. “Researching topics and making notes has actually been fun.”
For Deanna, the apprenticeship is about building confidence and recognising the value of the knowledge and experience she already has.
“I’m looking forward to building my confidence within my work and believing that I do actually know what I’m doing,” she says.
Her advice to others considering an apprenticeship later in their career is encouraging and honest: “Don’t hesitate. If you’re not going into the apprenticeship straight from school it can seem daunting, but your experience can really help with your learning. Just be willing to learn.”
For Josh, an apprenticeship offered the chance to learn in a practical, hands-on environment while building a strong foundation for the future.
“I like to work hands on, so I felt an apprenticeship was best for me as I can work and earn an income while learning as well,” he says. “It will benefit you to get qualifications to earn you a better future.”
When Josh secured his apprenticeship, he was eager to get started. “I was very excited when I found out – I had the mindset and was ready to get started. I couldn’t wait to get stuck in.”
One of the biggest surprises for Josh has been how quickly his skills developed.
“After a few months on my apprenticeship I could do things I never thought I’d be able to do so soon,” he explains.
Looking ahead, Josh is focused on continuing to build his technical knowledge, gaining qualifications and developing the skills needed to become a fully qualified engineer. His advice to others is straightforward: “Just go for it. Don’t stress too much -you’re capable of anything.”
Apprenticeships continue to play an important role in supporting both individual development and the long-term future of the industry. At APS, investing in people is seen as a key part of maintaining high standards and creating opportunities for career progression across the business.
As Managing Director Jenny Mair explains:
“Apprenticeships are incredibly important to APS Security because they allow people to develop real, practical skills while building confidence in their roles. Whether someone is starting their career or developing further within the business, apprenticeships create opportunities for growth that benefit both the individual and the wider team. We’re proud of the commitment our apprentices show and the progress they continue to make.”
The experiences of Sophie, Deanna and Josh demonstrate the flexibility and value of apprenticeships across different roles and career stages. Whether starting a career, developing existing skills or moving into a technical role, apprenticeships provide a structured pathway for growth while supporting the long-term future of the fire and security industry.
At APS, we’re proud to support our apprentices as they develop the skills, confidence and experience needed to succeed. During National Apprenticeship Week, we celebrate not only the qualifications achieved, but the commitment and progress made along the way.
If you want to talk to us about an Access Control System for your building, contact us through our website, or give us a call. We can answer any questions you might have about Access Control Systems or any other aspects of security and fire safety products and procedures.
