National Apprenticeship Week 2025: An Interview with Jon Mogford from Evolve IP

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, our Client Relationship Manager, Joe Kimber, caught up with Jon Mogford, an apprentice at Evolve IP, to discuss his journey into the tech industry and the impact his apprenticeship has had on both his personal and professional development. Jon’s story is a great example of how apprenticeships can provide a fresh start, even after years of experience in a different field. In this interview, Jon shares his experiences, the challenges he faced, and the valuable skills he gained through his Professional Competence for IT Professionals apprenticeship. Read on to learn more about Jon’s journey and his thoughts on diversity, inclusion, and career growth in the tech industry.

For those reading, I know that you didn’t study an English Apprenticeship Standard, as you're based in Wales. Could you tell us which apprenticeship you studied instead?

I studied the Professional Competence for IT Professionals apprenticeship, which is a Welsh apprenticeship. The course focused on building the skills and knowledge needed to work in IT, with lots of hands-on experience that you don’t always get from traditional courses.

And can you share your journey about how you became an apprentice?

After five years working in the motor industry, I realised it wasn’t what I wanted to do long term. I’d always had a love for IT. I even studied advanced IT in sixth form. So, I made the decision to take a step back and start fresh with an apprenticeship to gain the right skills and focus on building a career in tech.

That's a great example to show others that it's ok to change your mind about what you want to do and even if you've been working in an industry for a long time, it doesn't mean you can't switch things up! So what motivated you to pursue this apprenticeship, and did you face any specific challenges along the way?

Honestly, I wanted to do something I was passionate about. IT had always been at the back of my mind, and I knew I’d regret not pursuing it. The biggest challenge was stepping into an apprentice role after already working full time for years. It felt like starting over, but I knew it was the right move to get where I wanted to be.

It can definitely be daunting stepping into an apprentice role, especially with a lot of work experience behind you - you’re not alone in feeling that way! But it’s fantastic that you took the leap. Do you feel your background and experiences may have in some way contributed to the diversity of your workplace?

Definitely! My dad worked in IT, so I grew up around tech and had that early interest. But I also worked in pubs and the motor trade, where I learned a lot about teamwork and dealing with people. Bringing those customer-facing and practical skills into an IT environment helped me bring a different perspective to the team.

I 100% agree, different perspectives and experiences can make a big impact and play a key role in driving companies forward. Is workplace diversity something that’s important to you?

For me, diversity is really important. When people with different experiences and ideas work together, you get better solutions and a much more interesting environment. It’s about creating a space where everyone feels like they belong and can contribute their best.

Absolutely! From your perspective, how did the workplace embrace inclusivity, making you feel welcomed and valued?

The team was really welcoming from day one. They took the time to get to know me and where I came from, and they made sure I felt like part of the team. It was clear that everyone was valued for what they brought to the table, no matter their role or background.

It would be really valuable for our readers if you could share any specific examples where the workplace actively promoted inclusion and supported you during the course. This could be really helpful for employers looking to take on apprentices.

One thing that stood out was being paired with experienced engineers for shadowing. It wasn’t just about learning technical skills, it was about building confidence and feeling supported. It showed me they were genuinely invested in my development.

Having support from the very beginning and feeling included is crucial, as is ensuring equal opportunities for everyone. How did your organisation make sure all employees had access to the same opportunities?

They did a great job of making sure everyone had access to training and mentorship. There were clear pathways for progression, and regular check-ins to talk about where you wanted to go in your career. It felt like they genuinely cared about helping everyone grow.

Based on your experience, how do you think workplaces can create even more inclusive environments for future apprentices?

An inclusive workplace for apprentices would focus on creating more support networks, like peer mentoring or groups where new apprentices can connect and share experiences. It’s also about celebrating different backgrounds and making sure everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas.

It sounds like your organisation really prioritises growth and development for everyone. Looking back on your apprenticeship, how do you feel the course and the skills you gained have shaped your personal and professional growth?

The apprenticeship was a game changer for me. I learned so much not just about IT but about myself. It helped me build confidence, stay curious, and push myself outside of my comfort zone. Professionally, it gave me the foundation I needed to really start building a career.

What were some of the standout moments from your course, and would you recommend it to others looking to pursue a career in the industry?

A big highlight for me was working on real-world projects with the team. It’s one thing to learn in a classroom, but applying that knowledge to real situations was so rewarding. I would absolutely recommend this course to anyone looking to get into IT, especially if you’re starting out or switching careers. It’s a great way to build confidence and learn the ropes.

The last question from me! What advice would you give others who want to embark on a career in this industry?

Don’t be afraid to take a step back to move forward. An apprenticeship might feel like starting over, but it’s the best way to gain the skills and experience you need. Be open to learning, ask lots of questions, and stay curious. IT is constantly evolving, and that’s what makes it so exciting.