National Apprenticeship Week - Jessica McCormack's story

8 February 2024

This week is National Apprenticeship Week - Monday 5 February to Sunday 11 February. Every day this week we have been profiling current apprentices who are a part of Team SHSC. 

Our fourth story of the week comes from Jessica McCormack, who works in the admin team for Sheffield Talking Therapies.

At SHSC apprenticeships are on offer to current members of staff. Take a look on Jarvis (the staff extranet) for more info. 

If you'd like to learn more about a career with us, check out the working with us section of our website.

Why did you decide to start an apprenticeship?

I started working for Sheffield Talking Therapies six years ago. After the first few months I found I had a real passion for data, especially the data we capture within our service as it has such meaning.

I came back from maternity leave in February 2023, after having my beautiful little boy. I knew I wanted to develop my data skills.

After working so hard for six years, gaining lots of experience, I was over the moon to find out a data apprenticeship was being offered, I’ve never applied for something so fast! I felt very lucky and still feel very lucky to have this opportunity. It means I can develop my career whilst gaining such valuable knowledge and experience, in an area I have such a passion and drive for.

How did you go about finding out about the apprenticeship?

My line manager told me about the apprenticeship.

The apprenticeship team has been such a big help. They’ve been accommodating, informative and very approachable.

What would you say the benefits are of doing an apprenticeship?

The amount of knowledge and experience you gain throughout. You start the apprenticeship maybe having some knowledge, but by the end you know so much.

Meeting people along the way who have the same career interests as you is also a big benefit.

What would you say to someone who is thinking of applying for an apprenticeship?

Go for it! If its something you’re really passionate about and you want a challenge, then just go for it.