Degrees to Apprenticeships – ‘Roots to Routes’

Growing up in a Sri Lankan Tamil household, a university degree was the gold standard and apprenticeships were not even part of the conversation. After studying BSc. Human Biology and Psychology (including a year abroad in Sydney), I faced the harsh reality of the job market only to discover that employers valued practical experience over academic credentials. Despite holding a degree, I spent six months job-hunting before joining the NHS, repeatedly told I lacked hands-on experience.

Determined to shift this narrative, I dedicated myself to gaining the required experience and qualifications. By the age of 27, I became a clinical scientist in neurophysiology. The role offered stability and satisfaction, however, life events soon took priority. In the span of five years, I happily fulfilled my personal aspirations of engagement & marriage, first pregnancy and returning to work after maternity leave. Returning to work after maternity leave felt like starting over; it took nearly two years to regain confidence, and some colleagues questioned my commitment as a new mother, reinforcing a sense of undervaluation. Reflecting on this period, I realised that had I entered the workforce at 22, upon graduation, I could have utilised those five years to establish and advance my career. Instead, I felt as though I had missed an opportunity to make significant professional strides during my twenties.

During this challenging time, I realised that my personal life had reached a stable point and sparked a renewed motivation to focus on my career aspirations. I began researching opportunities that would allow me to empower others, a passion I believed in since childhood. I naturally gravitated towards individuals seeking guidance and found fulfilment in inspiring them to feel empowered. This led me to discover the Level 5 Coaching Professional Apprenticeship offered by my NHS trust. Upon exploring the course, I recognised that it aligned perfectly with my personality and ambitions, making it an ideal next step in my professional journey.

Embarking on the coaching professional apprenticeship has been a transformative journey, intertwining various aspects of my identity to cultivate a more confident, self-aware, and emotionally intelligent version of myself. Initially characterised by shyness and introversion, this apprenticeship has significantly enhanced my personal and professional fulfilment. Inspired by my upbringing where decisions were often led by others, like my father choosing my GCSE and A-level subjects, I have witnessed first-hand the importance of self-directed decision-making. Had he engaged me in a conversation, asking the right questions, I wonder how different my career path might have been. This reflection underscores the importance of coaching in empowering individuals to make informed decisions through self-discovery.

Coaching within the workplace has become the most rewarding aspect of my role, as it facilitates others’ career advancement and personal growth. Empowering individuals, building connections, and learning from diverse conversations have been deeply fulfilling. The feedback from my coachees consistently highlights their appreciation for the time and effort I invest in engaging conversations. They value the space I provide for them to relax and articulate their thoughts, enabling them to formulate their own action plans. In a world where individuals are often expected to swiftly navigate challenges without adequate time for reflection, offering a non-directive coaching approach allows them to discover solutions independently. This method fosters a sense of belonging and ensures they feel heard in a safe environment built on mutual trust and respect.

When I was shortlisted in the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards 2024 – Health, Medical & Social Care category, it marked as a pinnacle in my career and my first major recognition. It amplified my story in ways I never imagined and opened doors that fuelled both personal and professional growth. This achievement opened unexpected doors and let me showcase the vital differences between degrees and apprenticeships, especially within South Asian communities. During interviews with my trust, I urged staff to champion leadership apprenticeships at all levels.

One of the interview questions was, “What advice would you give to other apprentices from multicultural backgrounds aspiring to excel in their fields?” The advice I gave was to take initiative in what you would like to achieve because taking ownership of your personal development is key. As a professional working mother, one does not need to come without the other; one does not need to be sacrificed to fulfil the other; both can be attained with the fullest sense of commitment, passion, and love.

Balancing a full time job whilst undertaking an apprenticeship does also take a toll on family life, but through it all I strongly believe that my 4 year old son and my soon-to-arrive daughter, can see me as a role model, proving that dedication and perseverance pays off. Over the past two years, this apprenticeship has boosted my confidence, communication skills, and self-growth, which are fundamental qualities for aspiring leadership. I believe my apprenticeship journey can be a source of inspiration to others. It is a recognition of how far I have come and that anything is possible. It equips me with a platform to serve my long-term goal which is to empower students, apprentices and healthcare STEM professionals.

That is why I launched my new coaching business Sintrinsic® Coaching – “Find the Missing Piece Within” (www.sintrinsic.com), a career coaching service rooted in personal growth and self-discovery. At its core, Sintrinsic empowers clients to tap into intrinsic motivation and embrace self-exploration. I firmly believe each individual holds the answers they just need help uncovering them. This philosophy is captured in the name “Sintrinsic.” Rather than offering solutions, I create space for coachees to identify their own paths, fostering deeper ownership and commitment to development. Powerful feedback from my coachees inspired the tagline: “Find the Missing Piece Within.” Encapsulating the metaphor of fitting together a jigsaw puzzle, Sintrinsic Coaching helps individuals uncover the missing piece, the career direction that unites purpose and progression. I strongly believe everyone can find a career that aligns with their talents, values, and aspirations.

In addition to career coaching, I have recently expanded my platform services to offer ‘Specialised Neurophysiology Mentoring’ to address the declining recognition and competitiveness of the field. I am passionate about mentoring students and apprentices interested in healthcare and neurophysiology, with the goal of expanding apprenticeship and training programmes in this area. As I continue to go above and beyond my role, I am proud to announce my shortlisting for this year’s Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards 2025 – Judges’ Choice category.

Reflecting on my apprenticeship journey, I believe apprenticeships are significantly undervalued. Had I pursued an apprenticeship immediately after completing my A-levels, I could have been earning and learning on the job, developing the skills necessary to enhance my employment prospects. To date, the coaching apprenticeship has been transformative, serving as a pivotal turning point in my career. My journey proves that cultural norms, like equating degrees with success, do not have to define us. There are many routes to a meaningful career, and sometimes, the most rewarding paths begin at unexpected roots.