Lolly Reaffirms Commitment To Future Talent Through Apprenticeships

Highlighting real-world learning, generational insight and long-term investment in people

Lolly is marking National Apprenticeship Week by reaffirming its commitment to apprenticeships as a core part of its talent strategy and long-term business growth.

We have operated a formal apprenticeship programme since 2018, embedding early-career talent across the business and ensuring apprentices play an active role in live projects that shape how the company innovates and grows.

As many industries continue to reassess how best to attract, support and engage younger generations entering the workforce, our approach is centred on practical experience, trust and genuine integration. Apprentices are embedded across teams, working on live projects and contributing to real outcomes from day one, while gaining a clear understanding of how the wider organisation operates.

Commenting on the importance of apprenticeships to the business, Ben Norman, People Director at Lolly, said: “Apprenticeships matter to us because they’re about building people, not just filling roles. We’re growing a complex, fast-moving business, and that requires curious, adaptable individuals who understand the organisation as a whole.

Apprentices also bring valuable insight into how younger generations think, learn and engage with technology. That perspective challenges assumptions and helps keep the business forward-looking.”

Our apprenticeship programme has evolved alongside changes in the world of work, including the increasing role of AI and automation. Apprentices are encouraged to work with emerging technologies in live environments, developing not only technical capability but also critical thinking, judgment and responsibility.

As a business, we place strong emphasis on meaningful, hands-on experience. Apprentices are given real responsibility rather than shadow roles, supported through regular feedback, check-ins and progression conversations focused on confidence and long-term development.

One such apprentice is Darcy Johnson, a Product Manager Apprentice who joined Lolly in April 2025. Reflecting on her experience, Darcy said: “Being trusted with real responsibility has made a huge difference to my confidence. I’ve been able to take ideas from early discussions through to something customers actually use, which has been incredibly rewarding.

The support from the team means you’re never learning in isolation, you’re part of the business, working on things that genuinely matter.”

Looking ahead, we plan to continue expanding our apprenticeship programme, with further roles being actively recruited across the business as part of our long-term investment in future talent.