Students in Year 11 and Lower Sixth recently had the opportunity to hear from former student Ismail Khan, who returned to school to speak about his decision to pursue a degree apprenticeship rather than the traditional university route.

Ismail shared his experiences since leaving John Lyon, where he has begun an Audit Degree Apprenticeship at BDO LLP, a leading accountancy and business advisory firm. He currently works within the Natural Resources, Energy, and Shipping sector, gaining hands-on experience in a professional environment while continuing his studies.

Alongside his role at BDO, Ismail is studying towards the Level 7 ICAEW ACA qualification through BPP University, with the long-term goal of becoming a Chartered Accountant. He explained how the apprenticeship route allows him to develop practical workplace skills while also achieving a highly respected professional qualification.

During his talk, Ismail gave students a clear insight into why he chose the apprenticeship pathway and what the application and selection process involved. He spoke about researching different firms, preparing for online tests and interviews, and demonstrating both academic ability and strong communication skills. He emphasised the importance of being proactive, organised, and confident in explaining why the apprenticeship route suited him.

To help students compare options, he outlined some key differences:

Apprenticeships: 80% work, 20% study, hands-on learning, salary, and often a direct career pathway.

University: Mainly academic study, more independence, but tuition fees and job applications after graduating.

His visit provided a valuable and inspiring perspective for students exploring post-16 and post-18 options, showing how alternative routes can lead to highly skilled, professional careers.

The panel also featured Nihad Attab, who spoke about her Degree Apprenticeship at Oxford Economics, and Manisha Meghani from HSBC, who offered an employer’s perspective and shared practical advice on how to make applications stand out. They were joined by current Lower Sixth students who are in the process of applying for degree apprenticeships themselves, giving the audience a relatable, student viewpoint.

The event was extremely well received, giving both parents and students real insight, honest advice, and the confidence to explore a range of pathways beyond the traditional university route.