At 19, Ariba made a bold decision—to step away from university and choose an apprenticeship that better suited who she was and how she wanted to learn.
Realising the traditional academic path wasn’t right for her, Ariba knew she needed a different route; one that offered purpose, practical experience, and support. Her decision to begin a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship with Bradford College, in partnership with Bradford District Credit Union (BDCU), became a turning point.
This apprenticeship didn’t just give Ariba a qualification. It gave her confidence, direction, and the opportunity to make a real difference.
A Practical Route to Success
From day one, Ariba’s apprenticeship immersed her in real work. At BDCU, she wasn’t observing, she was contributing.
Through her apprenticeship, Ariba developed essential workplace skills in Member Services, supporting customers with everything from account openings to loan applications. She quickly became known for her calm, thoughtful approach.
“People often feel nervous talking about money,” Ariba explains. “As part of my apprenticeship, I’ve learned to slow things down and make sure they feel heard.”
Her apprenticeship training with Bradford College complemented this hands-on experience, allowing her to apply theory directly into practice. The result was exceptional performance, including achieving distinctions across every module of her apprenticeship.
Excellence Built Through Apprenticeship Learning
Throughout her apprenticeship, Ariba has consistently gone above and beyond, applying her learning in ways that create real impact.
As part of her role, she achieved a 98% accuracy rate in Member Services tasks – the highest in BDCU’s history – demonstrating the value of developing skills in a real-world apprenticeship environment.
Her apprenticeship has also enabled her to improve processes, helping make loan terms clearer and fairer, support the onboarding of over 1,200 new members, deliver consistently high-quality customer service and apply her compliance and financial training in everyday scenarios.
“She approaches every aspect of her apprenticeship with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn,” says Mike Jowett from Bradford College. “She’s a clear example of how apprenticeships combine academic and professional development.”
Her outstanding achievements throughout her apprenticeship have also been recognised beyond BDCU and Bradford College. In 2026, Ariba was named West Yorkshire Apprentice of the Year, celebrating the impact she has made through her commitment to learning, exceptional performance and contribution to her community.
Learning Beyond the Role
One of the defining features of Ariba’s apprenticeship has been her willingness to grow beyond her core responsibilities.
Through her apprenticeship, she has explored different areas of the organisation, including community development and digital engagement. She has supported projects ranging from financial literacy initiatives to national awareness campaigns.
Her apprenticeship has taken her into new and unexpected spaces; radio interviews, community events, and public forums, helping her develop confidence and communication skills.
“I loved planning the webinar and seeing people join from all across the country,” she says. “My apprenticeship has given me opportunities I never expected.”
Making a Difference in the Community
A key part of Ariba’s apprenticeship has been understanding the role organisations like BDCU play in the community.
Through her apprenticeship, she has supported people who are often excluded from mainstream financial services, helping them understand savings, manage loans, and build confidence.
One member shared:
“She patiently explained everything… helping me understand how to manage my loan and improve my credit score. She genuinely cares and made me feel welcome.”
Ariba’s apprenticeship has also involved supporting FoodSavers and local community initiatives, helping raise over £700 for mental health causes, engaging students and young people during outreach events and promoting financial inclusion through radio and public engagement.
Her ability to connect with people is a direct reflection of the practical, people-focused learning her apprenticeship provides.
A Role Model for Apprenticeships
Ariba’s journey shows what an apprenticeship can truly offer.
“Working with Ariba has been an absolute pleasure,” says Keir Terry. “Her contribution as part of her apprenticeship has been exceptional.”
She has grown from a young person unsure of her path into a confident professional – someone who not only excels in her role but also represents the value of apprenticeships to others.
“I love teamwork and leadership and wanted to show what apprentices can achieve,” Ariba says.
The Power of Choosing the Right Path
Ariba’s apprenticeship with Bradford College and BDCU has set the foundation for a successful and meaningful career.
It has allowed her to learn in a way that suits her, gain real-world experience while achieving qualifications and making a meaningful difference in her community.
Through her apprenticeship with Bradford College and BDCU, Ariba has shown how combining academic learning with hands-on experience can unlock potential and drive success. Her journey demonstrates that apprenticeships are a credible and high-quality alternative to university, one that equips learners with the skills, confidence and experience to excel from day one.
Her achievement in being named West Yorkshire Apprentice of the Year 2026 is not only recognition of her own hard work and determination, but also a powerful example of what apprentices can achieve when they choose the right path.
Click here to find out more about Apprenticeships at Bradford College.