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

This episode focuses on Rachel's career and entry into Nutrition. She has studied for an undergraduate degree and a master's degree, and Rachel is very passionate about empowering people with information about food, health and wellbeing. Rachel has worked tirelessly to find and stay in a field where she gets so much satisfaction and is also determined to support and guide others.

This episode features Natel Allen, owner of nail varnish brand, Telle Moi. Nate has worked in various roles including education and real estate but it wasn't until she was trying to find a nude shade that suited her skin tone did she begin to create nail varnishes for herself at home. The compliments and the interest began flooding in and she began selling her nail varnishes.

Natel balances owning her brand with other roles. She also appeared on the BBC's Dragon Den in 2023, hoping to secure investment for her business.

You can find out more about Natel's brand here on the website and you can watch Natel's Dragon's Den Episode here.

This episode features actuarial analyst, Desmond Asante. Desmond's career journey is a fascinating story of resilience, perseverance and success.

Listen to tune in to the empowering career journey.

This episode features London based Screen Writer, Alex Straker who has written for BBC soap operas and medical dramas such as Eastenders and Holby City, along with writing for the last series of the Last Kingdom. Alex has also written for Paramount's series Flat Share and many more. Alex speaks about his trajectory and path to screenwriting.