Every February, National Apprenticeship Week shines a spotlight on the people whose careers are shaped by curiosity, capability and the courage to learn on the job. UK Stories spoke to two Microsoft apprentices about their experiences and found out more about Microsoft’s own apprenticeship programme.
For Kasheef McLennon, technology was both his escape and education growing up. He spent hours experimenting on his sister’s university laptop, trying to get his Nintendo DSi online.
“It blew up from there… I was always the family tech advisor without realising it could be a career,” he says.
Coming from a working-class background, big tech felt distant, he says, something for other people, not him. But discovering apprenticeships changed everything.
“I’m not a theory-based learner, I need to be given a task, the materials to learn to do the task, and then do it for things to stick, so an apprenticeship stood out more to me.”
Today, he’s an Account Technology Strategist Apprentice at Microsoft, advising customers on digital transformation – “fixing their problems, while learning sales skills, people skills and technical skills on the job.”
He has even built an internal Copilot agent that simplifies product updates for colleagues.
“It felt good to solve a real problem,” he says. “That’s when it hit me: I can create things that make people’s day‑to‑day easier.
“The apprenticeship route at Microsoft allows me to do what I love.”
And for Kasheef, his apprenticeship is more than just a day job.
“I’m a product of social mobility,” he says. “I wouldn’t be where I am if people hadn’t given up their time to help me. Now it’s my turn.”
So he volunteers in schools, mentors disadvantaged youths, and works to bridge the digital divide. And he throws himself into Microsoft’s cultural life, too, supporting the Black Employees at Microsoft community, for example, and his Early‑in‑Profession cohort, while also acting as a ‘Copilot Champ’ and taking part in various social mobility initiatives.
“I’ve realised how much I grow when I’m uncomfortable. Networking, presenting… I used to hate these things. Now I chase that feeling.”
‘Just go for it’
Aarushi Karankal says she’s always been someone who follows her instincts. Aged 17, fresh from a placement at the Alan Turing Institute, she spotted a casting call for a new student‑led podcast. Opening that email change her life.
“I thought, why not just go for it? Even if I had no idea where it would lead.”
It led to a professional studio at the British Library, quizzing a guest from GCHQ – the intelligence, cyber and security agency – about the UK’s national security set-up. She learned to ask sharper questions, listen deeply, and trust her voice – skills she “still uses every day”.
This ‘just do it’ spirit also saw her volunteering at London Community Kitchen, often travelling long distances to get there.
So when she applied for a Microsoft apprenticeship, it was no surprise that within a month she was gardening with colleagues at a Mencap volunteering day. And despite juggling a full-time job and a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship Program, Aarushi still found time to rediscover her love for Bollywood dance.
“It fills my cup… it connects me to others and gives me the offline time I need to reset and recharge,” she says.
Balancing her apprenticeship with her outside interests isn’t easy, Aarushi admits, but with discipline and careful scheduling, she’s making it work.
Her advice to other would-be apprentices?
“Don’t overthink it. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Don’t wait to feel ready. There’s a whole world out there full of opportunities.
“Just say yes.”
Apprenticeships at Microsoft
Apprenticeships blend paid work with structured study, giving people the chance to build practical skills while earning recognised qualifications.
Microsoft’s UK apprenticeship programme sees around 125 apprentices working at the company at any one time.
“Our apprentices are a pipeline of talent for our business,” explains Becky King, Microsoft UK Apprentice Lead. “The programme is about delivering effective work for our customers – it’s a real job with real responsibilities, real purpose, and real impact.”
Microsoft partners with a range of UK apprenticeship providers, including QA, Corndel, Firebrand, BPP, TDM and Multiverse. Through this partner ecosystem, Microsoft has supported more than 40,000 apprenticeships externally to date, with a more recent emphasis on AI skilling and social mobility as fundamental components of the programmes.
“We want to attract talent from all walks of life,” says King. “We’re actively working to remove any barriers to entry.”
Darren Hardman, CEO, Microsoft UK & Ireland says: “We strongly believe in our apprenticeship programme because we know that AI skills are crucial to boosting UK economic growth and helping everyone, regardless of background, thrive in the new AI economy.”
To find out more about Microsoft’s apprenticeship programme click on the links below