Pendleton Sixth Form College student Anees had a paid internship with Bupa in Salford, where mentor Ian works. Now, he’s secured an apprenticeship in his chosen field, law. This is his story.
“Before Career Ready, I struggled with teamwork and collaboration,” says Anees. “I found it difficult to compromise, often believing that my way was the best way.”
But through completing the programme, this changed. Mentor Ian Bradbury, a People Technology Security and Support Manager at Bupa, provided Anees some “honest feedback and practical advice on how to adapt my approach when working with others.”
“Ian encouraged me to listen actively, communicate more effectively and understand the value of different perspectives within a team,” Anees says. “He gave me insights into the professional world and showed me how to approach challenges with a positive and solution-focused mindset.
“As a result, I became more open-minded, cooperative, and confident contributing to group tasks. It’s had a lasting, positive impact on both my personal and professional development – making me more self-aware, adaptable and better equipped to handle the expectations of a professional career.”
An internship at Bupa
Anees completed his paid internship with the insurance team at Bupa – working on tasks like data handling, customer queries and process improvements.
“My communication and organisational skills grew significantly,” he says. “I learned how corporate environments operate, the importance of attention to detail and how to work collaboratively.
“One of my favourite moments was presenting a project to senior staff, which boosted my confidence and showed me the value of preparation and teamwork. The experience helped me envision a future career in a corporate environment.”
Embracing what makes me unique
Anees also learned from Career Ready masterclasses – in particular, the Brand You masterclass.
“I realised that personal branding isn’t about trying to be someone I’m not or copying others. It’s about embracing what makes me unique and owning it,” he says.
“It taught me how to reflect my values, strengths, and experiences in everything I do — whether in a job interview, on social media or when networking. This shift in mindset has really helped me focus on showcasing the best version of myself in a way that feels natural and aligned with my goals.”
A Career Ready workplace visit to Kaplan Financial saw Anees put his networking skills to good work. He’s now working part-time at Kaplan, alongside his studies.
Kickstarting my future
Anees is now finishing his A-Levels and taking his first steps towards his long-term goal of a career in law.
“I’m excited to have secured an apprenticeship at TLT LLP, starting in September 2025,” he says.
“Career Ready helped me improve my communication, teamwork and problem-solving abilities, which were crucial in my assessment centre group task – and will be invaluable as I move forward in my apprenticeship.”
