Learning at Work Week 2026 – Zahra Ahmed

Learning at Work Week 2026 is all about the ‘Many Ways to Learn’. Recognising that personal and professional growth doesn’t just happen in a classroom.

Whether it is through learning by doing, coaching from a supportive tutor, or social learning with colleagues, there are so many paths to building new skills. We know that balancing a qualification with a busy job is a journey full of different experiences, so we asked some of our apprentices to share theirs. These stories highlight the various ways our learners have harnessed their own potential to grow, evolve, and succeed in their roles.

Recently we asked them to share their Apprenticeship journey, looking at the different ways they have picked up new skills and the impact this has had on their career so far.

Meet Zahra Ahmed, a Senior PA at NHS Blood and Transplant.

Question 1 – What made you decide to take on an Apprenticeship rather than another route into the role?
I was working in customer service and felt like it wasn’t going anywhere. I wanted an actual career I could progress in. I knew I wanted to study, but I also needed a job, so an Apprenticeship was the perfect opportunity to do both.

Question 2 – What were you hoping to get out of the Apprenticeship when you started?
I was hoping to gain new skills to begin a career with progression opportunities and to gain confidence returning to the workplace after working from home for five years.

Question 3 – Were there any nerves or doubts going in?
I was definitely nervous about how it would work being a single mum with three young children while going into the office full-time. The first couple of weeks felt overwhelming, but as I got into a routine, it raised hope in me that this could lead somewhere.

Question 4 – What is something you have learned through your Apprenticeship that you have actually used at work?
Since this is a brand-new role for me, everything about it is new. I have had to pick up and practice skills I had never used before starting this employment.

Question 5 – Has there been a moment where something “clicked”?
There wasn’t one specific moment, but rather a lot of little ones. Every time I learned something new and succeeded, I gained more confidence. I realized that if I believed in myself and worked hard, everything would eventually fall into place.

Question 6 – How do you fit learning around your day job?
I manage to do a lot of my learning at my desk in the office. Thursdays and Fridays are usually the quietest times, and my manager is happy for me to complete my learning at any time as long as my work is up to date.

Question 7 – What is the most useful support you have had?
My tutor, Caroline Kelly, has been very helpful whenever I have struggled with an assignment. My manager has also been very supportive and enthusiastic; knowing he wishes to take me on as a permanent employee has really boosted my confidence.
Question 8 – What can you do now that you could not do before you started?
I can now use Microsoft Word and Excel at a higher level. I am also able to complete meeting minutes and manage data within spreadsheets.

Question 9 – Have you noticed a change in your confidence, your responsibilities, or how others see you at work?
My confidence has definitely increased as I’ve gotten used to the role. I now take the initiative to complete my daily tasks independently and even offer to help out in the lab if I see they are running behind.

Question 10 – In one sentence, what would you say the Apprenticeship has given you?
Hope for a better future for me and my children when I thought there was nothing left.

Question 11 – What is next for you?
My manager wishes to keep me on as a Senior PA. I hope to eventually complete a higher-level apprenticeship to open up even more opportunities in the future.

Zahra Ahmed
Senior PA at NHS Blood and Transplant