This is part two of Cheryl's episode. Cheryl Davis is a train driver with Great Western Railway and has worked in the railway industry for over 13 years. She has also worked in the airline industry. If you want to hear more of Cheryl's story, tune in for part 2.

This episode has been three years in the making. I really wanted to interview this guest, as I think her career path is so unique. Cheryl Davis is a train driver with Great Western Railway and has worked in the railway industry for over 13 years. She has also worked in the airline industry. If you want to hear more of Cheryl's story, tune in.

Part two of this episode focuses on both Gina and Maame's careers as solicitors navigating their way to qualification.. Both have very different pathways to the legal profession and share in this episode their current roles and what advise they would give to aspiring lawyers.

Part one of this episode highlights two different types of solicitors. Gina is an immigration solicitor working in a legal aid firm. Maame Serwaah is an investment fund solicitor working in a corporate firm. Both have very different paths to the legal profession and, in this episode, share their origin stories about how they got to their careers.

In this final episode of our apprenticeship series, we’re joined by two inspiring women who share their unique journeys.

First, we welcome Law Amankwah, a Student Recruitment and Outreach Officer with a background in Education. Law spends her time guiding young people through their post-16 options, offering valuable insights into the choices available to them.

Later in the episode, we hear from Elizabeth Maame Acheampong, a Project Management Degree Apprentice at a leading online retailer and a thriving beauty entrepreneur. Elizabeth takes us through her decision to pursue a degree apprenticeship, the application process, and what it’s like now that she’s in the role.

Episode Timestamps:

🔹 00:00 - 03:09 | Introduction
🔹 03:10 - 31:52 | Law Amankwah on student outreach & post-16 choices
🔹 32:45 - End | Elizabeth Maame Acheampong on degree apprenticeships & entrepreneurship

Tune in for an insightful discussion on career pathways, education, and balancing ambition with opportunity!

Today's episode of the Great Minds for Business Podcast features Dr Jessica O'Logbon who will be talking about the medical degree apprenticeship which has been paused. When we recorded it, the medical degree apprenticeship was still live, and universities were planning to roll the course out in September 2025. We speak about the practicalities and the proposed benefits of using apprenticeships to train Doctors.

Jessica's section is from 7:00- 21:20 mins

The second guest who is featured is Kwadwo Adu-Wiafe who is a Principal Specialist at Tenemos and completed a Degree apprenticeship in Computer and Information Systems in 2023.

Kwadwo's section is from 22:30 minutes - 57.30 minutes into the recording.

Ever wondered how apprenticeships have evolved over the years? Join me, Grace Mansah-Owusu as I delve into the history and future of apprenticeships in England. This is part one of a three part series. Featuring guests Lisa Lawal - Apprenticeship Lead at charity, Macmillan Cancer Support and Otega Ajuchi- Junior Software Engineer at Accenture who pivoted from teaching to tech using a Masters degree Apprenticeship.

Time Stamps

• Introduction - 0-13:19 - Grace goes through the background of apprenticeships
• What is the apprenticeship levy - 3:16
• Apprenticeship Eligibility - 4:12
• Apprenticeship areas/subjects- 7:09
• Apprenticeship changes- 7:09
• Liza's section - 13.20
• Otega's section - 40:08

This episide features Akua Wood, Entrepreneur and owner of online and physical store, Shea Butter Cottage. Since 2004, Akua has created a space for people to buy skin, haircare and decorative items that are ethically sourced, natural and organic.

Stay tuned to listen to an inspirational and interesting career journey