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Podcast 'Apprenticeships at UCL'

Welcome to our National Apprenticeship Week 2025 podcast series, celebrating UCL's apprentices and apprenticeship programmes. Access the podcasts below and find out more about the range of information and skills events available to staff at UCL during NAW 2025.

About the podcasts

This year, we celebrated NAW 2025 by broadcasting our first ever podcast series. We released a new episode each day(from 10 to 16 February 2025) as Apprenticeship Managers Uzma and Paula discussed the in’s and out’s and the highs and lows of being an apprentice in at UCL. As we celebrated and highlighted the successes of this year's graduates at Thursday’s graduation ceremony, these podcasts aimed to give a deeper dive into all aspects of what it means to be an apprentice at UCL.

Calendar of events

To promote and support the positive impact, accomplishments and benefits apprentices bring to UCL, our local community and the wider economy, we provided a list of skills webinars and information sessions, available during NAW 2025, from 10th to 14th February. 

Access the list of events


Access the podcasts below

Apprenticeship podcast NAW 2025 - Ep1 - visual

Ep 1: “Great places don’t just hire talent, they grow it within”

UCL Apprenticeship Managers Paula Sandamas and Uzma Sadiq chat about apprenticeships, who they are for, the positive impact they can have and dispel all the myths.

Apprenticeship podcast NAW 2025 - Ep2 - visual

Ep 2: “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference”

We now take a look at two factors that will help apprentices succeed during their training: the importance of a Growth Mindset and making the most of networking. 

Apprenticeship podcast NAW 2025 - Ep3 - visual

Ep 3: “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way”

Today, Paula and Uzma focus on the role of the line manager and the pivotal role they play in supporting apprentices during their programme.

Apprenticeship podcast NAW 2025 - Ep4 - visual

Ep 4: “I never fail, I succeed or learn”

Join Paula and Uzma as they discuss the importance of time management and how to view failure as an opportunity, providing advice and guidance for apprentices to support wellbeing.

Apprenticeship podcast NAW 2025 - Ep5 - visual

Ep 5: “Don’t be afraid of growing slowly, be afraid of standing still”

Paula and Uzma discuss what next after an apprenticeship, what apprentices should consider and do to develop their careers and keep their skills alive.

Meet the podcasts' team

Uzma Sadiq
Uzma Sadiq
Apprenticeship Manager – UCL East and Technical Community

Paula Samdamas
Paula Sandamas
Apprenticeship Manager – Academic and Professional Services