From Learner to Apprentice: Sam’s Path 2 Apprenticeships Success Story

Just one day after being named the Workplace Learning Achievement winner and Highly Commended Inspirational Learner of the Year at the 2025 WMCA Adult Learning Awards, Sam Hutchings is still letting the moment sink in.

His journey to this point has been nothing short of transformative. Sam joined the Path 2 Apprenticeships (P2A) programme in Wolverhampton in August 2024 after two years of unemployment. He had cared for his terminally ill mother and was unsure of his next steps. Initially sceptical of returning to education, Sam was encouraged by his caseworker to give the programme a chance.

"I didn’t think it would do anything for me at first. I’d tried apprenticeships before and always got overlooked. But P2A made me feel seen for the first time," Sam recalls.

During the 4-week programme, Sam gained not just employability skills, but a renewed sense of confidence. He worked with coaches, learned how to present himself professionally, and explored new career directions. The programme didn’t just prepare Sam for the workplace — it changed how he saw himself.

In January 2025, Sam joined Workpays as a Level 4 Business Development Apprentice, helping to deliver the very programme that helped turn his life around. He now works with P2A participants to help them shape their futures.

"It’s wild to go from being on the course to actually helping run it. I feel proud every day I come into work. I get to use my experience to help others who feel stuck, just like I did."

Karen Shaw, Head of Business Development at Workpays and the person who nominated Sam for the award, says:

"Sam represents everything the P2A programme is about. He’s resilient, driven, and committed to making a difference – not just for himself but for others too. Employers who invest in this programme are not only supporting social mobility, they’re also gaining talented individuals like Sam who bring authenticity, lived experience, and long-term value."

As a training provider delivering the Path 2 Apprenticeships programme, Workpays is proud to practise what we preach. Hiring Sam has shown us the value of creating opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. The impact goes far beyond a CV — it changes lives, strengthens teams, and helps employers meet their ESG and social impact goals while investing in future talent.

At Workpays, we believe in small changes leading to a big difference — and Sam’s story is proof of that.

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