Meet Sophia Bailey. She’s a degree apprentice working in professional services, living in London, although her dynamic role takes her all over the UK to deliver presentations, pitches and keynote speeches.

With more than 1,600 LinkedIn followers, she uses her growing platform to talk about apprenticeships, careers and the importance of representation.

Rewind to 2024, and Sophia had no idea that she’d be living the life of a successful apprentice and inspiring others as a role model.

As a sixth-former at Montpelier High School, Sophia was preparing to study geography at university, having received several Russell Group offers and achieved the grades she needed. As the first person in her family to go to university, it was an important moment for Sophia and her parents, who felt understandably proud.

But Sophia describes how the excitement she had expected to feel was missing.

“I remember worrying because I wasn’t excited at all; and the financial cost was daunting, particularly because I wasn’t convinced this was the right direction for me.”

Putting on the brakes was not an easy decision but, with her family’s support, Sophia created time to consider what she really wanted. Working as an administrative assistant during her gap year introduced her to a structure she enjoyed, while content on social media showed her another possibility: earning, working and studying through an apprenticeship.

Her first apprenticeship with AtkinsRéalis focused on immersive technology and gave Sophia real-world experience of working with data and supporting clients. Almost immediately, her line manager recognised her potential and, alongside her role, she was asked to identify and implement improvements for the business.

“Starting an apprenticeship rather than taking the more traditional route to university was a fantastic experience and the best decision I ever made,” she says. “I quickly found my feet and woke up every morning feeling excited about the day ahead.”

Halfway through the programme, Sophia began applying for degree apprenticeships, and in August 2025, she moved to London to continue her professional development through a degree apprenticeship. She was soon presenting to clients and using the data skills developed during her first apprenticeship.

Looking back, Sophia recognises that her confidence had begun developing much earlier, even though she didn’t realise at the time what an essential skill it would become.

Having played a central role in the historic decision and name change process when Colston’s Girls’ School became Montpelier High School, Sophia had first-hand experience of using her voice to influence change.

And when Sophia was in Year 11, preparing to join V6 Sixth Form, SMV member Gillian Camm became her mentor, a relationship that continues today.

“Having a mentor made a big difference – not only do you have a sounding board to test thoughts and ideas, a mentor encourages you to have confidence in yourself and to broaden your horizons beyond your comfort zone.

“The support of my family and peers helped me believe in myself, and Gillian has encouraged me to carry that belief into real world situations, such as further education and employment.”

Gillian agrees: “Mentoring is not about telling a young person which path to take. It’s about listening, asking the right questions and helping them recognise what they are capable of. Sophia has always had the drive and determination. She has embraced every opportunity and it’s a measure of her character that she now creates opportunities for others.”

Sophia is now extending that support to others. She continues to champion the next generation of apprentices, delivering apprenticeship talks in schools and making a significant contribution to the Black Apprentice Network (BAN), Young Professionals, Pathway CTM and Uptree.

Despite the many demands on her time, SMV was thrilled when Sophia agreed to return to Merchants’ Hall as the keynote speaker at this year’s Governors’ and Prefects’ Dinner, sharing her experiences with young people preparing to make their own decisions about the future.

“I feel energised by the opportunity to give young people information that empowers them to make important decisions about their future,” she says. “The main message is to push beyond your comfort zone and learn from your mistakes. Say yes to opportunities, because you never know where they might lead.”