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In this episode, Kerry speaks with Yunus, a degree apprentice at Accenture, about his unconventional path into apprenticeships. Growing up in a school that heavily promoted traditional university routes, Yunus initially followed the expected path - starting a degree in Computer Science - before discovering the opportunities that apprenticeships could offer.
Yunus shares how financial and cultural considerations played a role in his decision-making, particularly the issue of student loan interest, which conflicted with his faith. A pivotal moment came when a friend introduced him to the idea of degree apprenticeships, setting off a chain reaction that changed his future. He explains how this single conversation - what he calls "the butterfly effect" - not only transformed his own career but also inspired others within his community to explore apprenticeships as a viable alternative to university.
Transcript
Kerry: Welcome to another episode of Real Journeys, Real Change, the podcast where we share inspiring stories of people who've forged their own path through apprenticeships. Today, I’m joined by Yunus Marikkar, a Technology Degree Apprentice at Accenture, whose journey into the world of tech consulting is proof that sometimes, one conversation can change everything.
Yunus is passionate about opening doors and ensuring that career opportunities in tech are accessible to everyone. His work in GenAI is not just about driving innovation for clients - it’s about using technology to create meaningful change for communities, too. And outside of work, he stays deeply connected to his local community, whether it’s through volunteering at the scout hut or pushing himself in extreme fitness challenges.
Today, we’re going to talk about his journey, the ‘butterfly effect’ that set him on this path, and why representation and mentorship are so important in shaping diverse career opportunities. Yunus, welcome to the podcast!
Kerry: Yunus, let's start by talking about your background and how you came to consider apprenticeships as an option.
Yunus: So, I spent most of my teenage years in Leicester that's where my family is now. I went to sixth form there and in sixth form, degree apprenticeships were touched on very lightly, but the huge emphasis was on getting into a good university, whether it be in the UK or abroad, because the sixth form I went to had a lot of students who went to Oxbridge, who went to Harvard, who went abroad. And so I didn't really come into contact with degree apprenticeships during my time in school. And the kind of career advice that we got was make sure your personal statement's good, research universities and pad out your portfolio basically.
Kerry: And why do you think that was? Why do you think there was a lack of focus on degree apprenticeships but a real push to get you to go the traditional full time university route?
Yunus: I think from the school's perspective it was like a tried and tested path. Alumni in the past had followed that route and had achieved success. So from the school's perspective it's pretty safe. At that time, degree apprenticeships didn't have the hype they do now and so they weren't really seen as a super viable option. I guess for many people I was the first one in my family to go to university, but for many people their parents would have went to university, their parents, parents would have went to university. So it had just been like a norm for them.
Kerry: The natural next step, you know, the next generation following in the footsteps. Do you think your school had the information to pass on to students about the apprenticeship options or was there a lack of sort of guidance around it?
Yunus: I think that there was definitely a lack of information because at the time when degree apprenticeships were covered, all that we were told about them was you can get a degree and you can work for a company. When as a degree practice I can say myself that there's a lot more to it than that. And when you just hear those two basic points, it just feels a little too good to be true. So you kind of just gloss over it.
Kerry: Okay, how did cultural considerations, so particularly the issue of debt with interest, how did that shape your thoughts about pursuing higher education?
Yunus: So I'm a Muslim and as a Muslim we avoid something called riba, which is like interest usury and student loans, they accrue interest and so I was very reluctant to take this. And once I finished my A levels and went to join university I, instead of taking student loans, I decided to take a part time job and fund my education that way. And I guess, thanks to a degree apprenticeship, I was able to have that more free time to myself instead of taking on more stress. So I do really appreciate that. Yeah.
Kerry: Okay, so it was a real plus point for you. Well, let me ask you a slightly different question. Would you have, aside from your views on the interest, would you have still pursued an apprenticeship if that wasn't an issue for you?
Yunus: Definitely. If I had known more at the time, I think I would have maybe even stopped considering university on its own as an option, simply due to just not knowing at the time and feeling like the university was just the default route.
Kerry: I'm sure there are lots of other people that would be really interested in that point, because in all of my years of working and chatting with apprentices and employers and training providers, I hadn't come across that concern before. So thank you for raising it. You told me that your friend played a really pivotal role in introducing you to the idea of an apprenticeship. Can you tell us about that?
Yunus: Yeah. So one of my friends from sixth form, we did our A levels together. He went on to do a degree apprenticeship. And once I went to uni, I was in my first year at uni. He reached out to me and was like, I know you're working a second job. Well, a first job, but like a side job and studying at the same time. Why don't you consider this degree apprenticeship opportunity? I think it suits you very well and I think it would be very beneficial for you. At the time, I wasn't really sure. It wasn't something I researched too much into, but he had helped me a lot in A level. So out of appreciation for him, I decided to look into it and I applied. And next thing you know, I got past the first stage and I was like, okay, this could be a legitimate route forward for me. And so I started taking the application more seriously, started doing more research, and one after another, I got through the different stages and then I landed the opportunity and I dropped out of university.
Kerry: Were you sceptical? Did you think, no, this can't be right. How can you get a degree without paying university fees?
Yunus: Definitely, because my parents, when I told them. Because it just seems like a stark difference from paying tuition and going into debt and then having to look for a job afterwards. And on the other hand, you have no debt, you get a salary, you get experience. It just seems like a win, win, win, win.
Kerry: And almost too good to be true so how can that be? Yeah, okay, I get that. So you started university first and then you dropped out to do the Apprenticeship. So what course were you doing before you dropped out?
Yunus: So I was studying computer science at the time. So there was some crossover.
Kerry: Yeah, still in a related field. And how far into the first degree did you get before you dropped out?
Yunus: I completed about two terms, so almost like the whole first year.
Kerry: Okay. But absolutely not wasted because of that crossover that you just mentioned.
Yunus: Definitely. Exactly.
Kerry: Okay. Okay. What attracted you to Accenture?
Yunus: Accenture as a company is incredibly diverse. As obviously a person of colour, this is like a highlight for me because I can assume that sense of inclusivity. And since joining, it's even more so. Accenture itself has actually won awards multiple years in a row of being the most diverse company in the world. It's also very facilitating for religion. There's a prayer room that's quite nice. And there's always events for Eid, for Diwali, and it's just a nice vibe. And once I reached out to people who already worked at Accenture, they kind of echoed the same kind of things.
Kerry: You got the input of the people around you to say, yes, this is a great place to come and do your apprenticeship. And the experience once you've got there has matched what you were told as well, which is really lovely to hear.
Yunus: Yeah. Because originally I, and most people around me, like my immediate family, weren't too familiar with Accenture, and they're not a company you cross in your day to day life. So that's what made me go, okay, maybe I should look more into people who already work there and see what they have to say.
Kerry: And where did you go to get that information?
Yunus: LinkedIn and like some forums online.
Kerry: So back to your friend. So he encouraged you to look into apprenticeships - you did. You applied for your apprenticeship with Accenture - you got through the sift, you started to take it a bit more seriously and think, okay, this has got some legs. And then you started your apprenticeship. Now, you've described to me something called the butterfly effect. Can you talk a little bit more about what that is and what it means to you?
Yunus: So the butterfly effect is essentially like a small act, rippling and echoing into a much bigger impact.
And my friend looking out for me was, in the grand scheme of things, a small favour. But it rippled onto me, changing the route of my life, which affected the people around me, who I also encouraged to go into apprenticeships. And some of them went on to become apprentices and are hopefully going to become apprentices as well. And I'm from the Sri Lankan community. My friend is from outside that community.
And before I became an apprentice, not many other Sri Lankans families were too familiar with apprenticeships. And by me becoming an apprentice, a lot of people reached out to me and asked for their kids and for their siblings, like, is this a viable opportunity? What should we do? How do we go about it? And yeah, I think it's had, like, a much bigger impact than that friend will probably ever know.
Kerry: Well, hopefully if your friend listens to this podcast, he'll hear those words of thanks. Having relatable role models is really important, isn't it? And being able to look around and find people who look like me or behave like me or are from a similar background to me that I can relate to. And when I'm saying me, I'm meaning anybody, but that a person can relate to. And then you can start to imagine yourself in that position. So I can see how that would be really important. And it's lovely to hear that you're able to flutter your butterfly wings and pass on that experience to other people. Now, you said to me that you're the first in your family to attend university, but you've done it through a degree apprenticeship. So how does that feel?
Yunus: It feels like, magical almost, because it's like I always thought that if I'm going to be the first one to do it, I'm going to have to save a lot of money or work hard, in a sense, to earn money to fund it. So when it essentially got given to me through a degree of apprenticeship, it felt like I had, like, found a shortcut. And it also, from what I understand, is when a member of the family gets into university, it ripples on to other members of the family getting an opportunity as well. And I have a lot of siblings, so it really made me happy that because of this, their futures may also be brighter.
Kerry: You're opening the door for other people. What was your family's reaction?
Yunus: So my mom, she was really happy for me, but my dad was just really confused, similar to how I was, but even more so, as the idea of the win, win, win it just, it was too too good to be true. He just kept asking me like, okay, but what's the catch? And I'm like, well, I work and study. But he's like, that doesn't sound like a catch. And yeah, once I told them about this and fully explained to them and dealt with their scepticism, they were so supportive. And, yeah, they were like, okay, now that you're in help your sister get in now as well, help so and so. And I was like, yeah, of course.
Kerry: So, as a parent, the whole idea of working and studying at the same time, I think when a young person says, okay, I'm not going to university to study full time, I'm going to do a degree apprenticeship and go to university and work as well, that's. It's almost music to your ears, isn't it? Because you're doing the exact thing that you will eventually one day do anyway whilst you're studying. So it's great to marry the two things up.
And obviously you're getting all of that amazing experience and working with some fabulous people, I imagine, as well.
Yunus: Yes, definitely. It feels in a way like I got a head start, some, like, extra few years to make more mistakes, learn from those mistakes and essentially just have some headroom, because I feel like if I had just went to university and then got a graduate role, like, now I'm in the thick of it when I don't know anything, whereas because I came in at a much younger age, I have time to slowly adapt and, like, make a name for myself.
Kerry: Okay, now I know that you are a representative for lots of organisations, so Not Going to Uni; The Apprenticeship Ambassadors Network; Outer Circle, which is for apprentices helping other apprentices. It's a cool name. Success at School, which is a forum where students can post questions to existing apprentices and almost get it from the lion's mouth, if you like. How important is your involvement in those schemes and organisations?
Yunus: I feel like it's very important, especially with my theme of, like, the Butterfly Effect. It's essentially like more flapping of the wings, more engagement for apprentices and apprenticeships, because I feel like even though the hype for apprenticeships has, like, skyrocketed, there's still room for more visibility. And I also feel like current apprentices may not get the spotlight that they deserve and the appreciation they deserve for what they get up to.
Kerry: In all of the time that we've been doing these podcasts, even in previous series, one of the common themes has been the lack of information that young people get when they're at school about apprenticeships as an option.
So it still feels like there is and you're filling it, but a huge role to play for people like you to sort of spread the word about apprenticeship. So I take my hat off to you and applaud you. Well done.
Yunus: Thank you.
Kerry: Compared to the traditional university experience, and you're kind of in a neat position because you've experienced both. How does the degree apprenticeship route compare?
Yunus: Obviously, I say this with a lot of bias. Even though I did experience both, I vastly prefer the degree apprenticeship route. It compares in a way that everything you learn, you have the opportunity to apply immediately. Everything I learned in university, I have the choice of going the next day and figuring, finding a way to apply at work, test the theories that come up in the curriculum, or question stuff that I may have learned university, but I don't fully understand where if I see it in the workplace, it's like a visual aid.
Kerry: It's bringing it to life immediately for you. You're not waiting two or three years before you can apply it in an employment setting. What excites you most about the progression routes and future opportunities at Accenture?
Yunus: At Accenture specifically, you come in at a level 13, so most people probably won't be too familiar with how the organisation looks. But essentially, as an apprentice, you come in quite differently to someone who's coming out of uni as an analyst or a level above that. And as an apprentice, you're given a lot of opportunities. Analysts are as well, but because you are less experienced, in many cases, you have a chance to prove yourself. And how an analyst may become a consultant after a couple of years, an apprentice is also given the opportunity once they graduate, because an analyst may only have one or two years out of university, whereas an apprentice would have spent three years even before they got their degree, and so have had a lot more time in the industry.
Kerry: So more experienced from a workplace experience point of view.
Yunus: Yeah, and definitely more specific experience because of the time we would have spent on projects and specific client interactions.
Kerry: I want to touch now on the role that you play in helping other people. So why is that so important to you?
Yunus: I mean, I grew up with a lot of siblings, so from a young age, that was instilled into me that that's just part of who I am, essentially. It just makes me really happy because when someone does it for me, it feels amazing. So when I see other people benefit from it as well, it multiplies, essentially.
Kerry: So how do you see yourself helping other people? So in all of those organisations that you're a member of and the support that you provide, describe a day in the life of Yunus and how you engage with other people and help them through those organisations and through the work that you're doing in your apprenticeship.
Yunus: The way I would explain it is each of those networks is another group of people who serve a purpose within the wider apprentice circle, if you like. And as an ambassador for many of these organisations, it's about helping current apprentices find their place. It's about helping to be apprentices find opportunities, find where they fit in, and almost enjoying who they are. Because as an apprentice, you aren't doing the same things as most other people your age. And you can feel very isolated. You can feel like you're on your own. And I feel like a lot of these networks, they bridge that gap.
Kerry: That's a really good answer. Thank you. Can you share any examples of how you've already started giving back to your community or to others considering apprenticeships?
Yunus: So, like I mentioned, I'm Sri Lankan, and because of my time as an apprentice, a lot of people have reached out to me. And in order to facilitate helping people get into apprenticeships, I have, like, a small group chat of people who I've connected with who have expressed that they would like to get into an apprenticeship.
And I essentially mentor them into how to apply, how to be consistent and hopefully eventually land roles that they really enjoy.
Kerry: That's amazing. So you actually help them with the application process?
Yunus: Yes. Yeah.
Kerry: Phenomenal. So we spoke briefly about the cultural and financial concerns about taking on debt. How does it feel knowing that you've avoided interest on the debt, typically that other students have?
Yunus: It's really, really freeing. I can't really explain how it feels to think about saving rather than thinking, okay, I've got this huge weight on my shoulders. I've got to pay off this. I've got to pay off this. It feels more like I'm at square one, not square minus five. It feels like I have a chance to do what others may not have been able to. So it's like an opening for a brighter future, if that makes sense.
Kerry: It does. It makes perfect sense. Do you have any words of advice for other young people, especially in those communities where debt or interest might be a barrier to pursuing traditional education?
Yunus: Definitely. And the answer is degree apprenticeships.
I know as a brown boy that parents will have a huge pressure of wanting their kid to have a degree. It's something that's been instilled in the culture for, like, a very, very long time. So this helps achieve that. So there's something that they can feel, okay, my parents wanted this, and I was able to give it to them. But it also saves them from the mountain of debt that, that burden of having to pay it off but it also gives them a chance to, I guess, enjoy their youth. Because now you're a young person who's been given the opportunity to earn a salary and learn those financial lessons at any earlier point.
Kerry: without compromising your beliefs.
Yunus: Exactly.
Kerry: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), it's often a key focus for companies like Accenture. How do you feel your work and experience are contributing to making a broader impact?
Yunus: I think Accenture has a lot of the same ideas that I do. They have a lot of initiatives where they go to schools, where they do online Q&As.
Accenture have, obviously a very big apprenticeship program, and it attracts a lot of attention. So they use this to educate more schools and more communities about what an apprenticeship could do.
Kerry: Do you feel like you're part of something bigger?
Yunus: Definitely. That's definitely how I would put it. I feel like I'm just like a drop in, like a wider wave.
Kerry: It's definitely that ripple effect, isn't it?
Yunus: Definitely. Definitely.
Kerry: So, looking ahead, what's your vision for the future, and how do apprenticeships fit in, if they do at all? I know you want to finish your current studies, but what is beyond your apprenticeship? And do apprenticeships have a role to play for you in that?
Yunus: Yes, definitely. So without looking past my degree, which I have to finish this year, once I complete my bachelor's, I think that I will go all in on helping other people get degree apprenticeships. But also I think I'll continue volunteering and giving my time to these networks that help apprentices, because the apprenticeship route helped me. So I want to be one of those people that continuously advocate for it and maybe even become a sort of role model – like oh, he took this route to where he is now by taking an apprenticeship. I could do it, too.
Kerry: Yes. It's having those relatable case studies, isn't it? Which hopefully this podcast will be one of those. How do you think apprenticeships can help shape the next generation of young professionals, particularly those from diverse backgrounds?
Yunus: I think that it's perfect for people of that nature because there's a lot of anxiety around, especially now, of even if I do go to university, will I get a job? Will the job be good enough for me? Will I like it? Or have I spent so much time where I don't even like what I'm doing? Degree apprenticeships give you an opportunity to go straight in and see for yourself. And I think that communities where that sort of daunting feeling has held them back - I feel like degree apprenticeships are going to completely revolutionise and maybe even become the default option going forward.
Kerry: It's almost like they're shortening the process between entering into the education field through the university route and coming out of the other side and then starting in employment. With everything that you've learned at university, it's shortening that route, isn't it?
Yunus: Yeah, essentially. I don't want to use the word shortcut here because it makes it sound like you're cutting corners, but it's a fast track.
Kerry: Yes, that's exactly the word I would have chosen as well. Finally, if you could give one piece of advice to someone considering an apprenticeship, what would it be?
Yunus: One piece of advice that I would give an aspiring apprentice is make sure you know who you are. Unfortunately, not every apprenticeship is made for you. And just because it maybe pays well or is that a really good company, it doesn't mean it's for you. Make sure you find a company and a role that really suits you, where you feel like you're going to be doing something you enjoy and that you see yourself staying at for a very long time. And I think that a lot of young people may rush into the very specific apprenticeships that they've seen. Maybe their friends go into, or they also want on LinkedIn. Go to, by all means, apply. I think it never hurts to apply. It's interview experience. It'll give you a more holistic view, but definitely take time in looking at yourself and seeing where you would thrive.
Kerry: So finding the organisation that you connect with, I know that that's been really important for you, and I think it's great advice for other people as well.
Yunus: Thank you.
Kerry: I've really enjoyed talking to you.
Yunus: Likewise. Likewise.
Kerry: Keep up the good work with all of those networks. It's really important. I know we've met at a couple of the Apprentice Ambassador Network events, and I've really enjoyed chatting to you at the events and today. So I wish you the very best with your apprenticeship this year. I know you've got to, it's your final year, so, fingers crossed and I look forward to watching how you progress beyond this.
Yunus: Thank you again. It was an honour to be here.
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