National Apprenticeship Week 2026 - Learning by Doing: Meet Darcy Johnson, Product Manager Apprentice at Lolly

National Apprenticeship Week is all about celebrating the impact apprenticeships can have not just on individuals, but on businesses too. At Lolly, apprentices are a core part of how the team builds, grows and innovates, bringing fresh perspectives while gaining real-world experience from day one.

Darcy Johnson joined Lolly in April 2025 as a Product Manager Apprentice, stepping straight into a fast-moving product environment. Her role spans stakeholder communication, software release planning, managing client change requests, hardware onboarding and coordinating across internal teams, giving her a front-row seat to how products are built and delivered.

We caught up with Darcy to talk about why she chose an apprenticeship, how her confidence has grown, and what it’s really like learning on the job in a tech-led business.

Why did you choose an apprenticeship at Lolly, and what were you hoping to gain?

When I chose an apprenticeship at Lolly, I really wanted to learn by doing. I knew I’d get far more out of being in a real product environment than just studying theory. Lolly felt like the right place to actually get involved, understand how things work behind the scenes, and contribute to something meaningful.

I was hoping to gain hands-on experience, clarity on my career direction, and the chance to work with people who really know their craft.

How has your role and confidence developed since starting?

At the start, I was definitely excited but still figuring things out. Over time, I’ve taken on bigger responsibilities, worked across different teams, and even led parts of projects.

The moments that stand out are when I’ve taken an idea from early discussions all the way to something customers actually use. That’s been huge for my confidence – it’s shown me that I can add real value.

What skills or experiences have you gained that you wouldn’t get from traditional education?

Working in a fast-moving tech company teaches you things you just don’t get in a classroom. I’ve learned how to prioritise, how to communicate with different stakeholders, and how to make decisions even when everything isn’t perfectly clear.

I’ve also seen the real-world side of product development, the trade-offs, the problem-solving, the messy bits. Those experiences only come from being right in the middle of it.

How has the support from the Lolly team shaped your experience?

The support has honestly made all the difference. The team is always willing to explain things, challenge me, and give me space to grow.

They trust me with real responsibilities but are there when I need guidance. That balance has helped me develop quickly and feel like a genuine part of the team, rather than “just” an apprentice.

What would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship at Lolly, and how do you see your future from here?

I’d say absolutely go for it. If you want to learn fast, work on real projects, and be part of a team that actually invests in you, it’s a great place to be.

As for me, I’m excited to keep growing as a product manager and taking on bigger challenges. I feel like I’ve built a strong foundation here, and I’m looking forward to seeing where it leads next.

‍