From a young age, Liam had a strong interest in technology and business. However, like many, he found that career advice in school barely mentioned apprenticeships as a viable route into IT. The focus was almost entirely on university or traditional engineering apprenticeships, leaving technology apprenticeships largely unheard of.
Determined to find a path that suited his learning style, Liam explored various options and took part in a summer work experience programme. This experience confirmed that university wasn’t the best fit for him—he wanted to learn while actively applying his knowledge.
“I was always drawn to IT, but there wasn’t much awareness of alternative routes into the industry. It was either university or nothing.”
Liam began his career as an Infrastructure Technician Apprentice at Tekgem in 2015. At the time, the company was a small team of three. As Tekgem grew, so did Liam’s opportunities, and his role evolved rapidly.
Over the years, Liam took on more complex tasks, gained leadership experience, and contributed to Tekgem’s growth. Now, as Technical Director, he plays a key role in shaping the company’s strategy and mentoring new apprentices. He became a trusted, experienced member of the team within a matter of years, far surpassing his friends in graduate roles.
“I learn best by doing. Reading about something is one thing, but actually implementing it—and sometimes failing—is how you truly understand concepts.”
Tekgem’s success has been closely linked to its apprenticeship programme. The company operates in the industrial cybersecurity sector, where experienced professionals are scarce.
“With the industry we’re in, we’ve tried to hire experienced engineers before, but they’re like gold dust,” Liam shares. “Finding people with the right cybersecurity mindset is incredibly difficult, so apprenticeships became our primary way to build our talent pipeline.”
Recognising the value of nurturing in-house talent, Tekgem developed its own apprenticeship academy. Apprentices join their cyber security apprenticeship, where they receive foundational training in networking and security while also gaining hands-on experience in industrial cybersecurity.
“You can’t build a strong engineer without ensuring they have a solid foundation,” Liam explains. “Our programme allows us to shape talent from the ground up, combining structured learning with real-world application.”
Beyond Tekgem, Liam is a strong advocate for evolving apprenticeship structures to better meet employer needs. He supports a shift towards more flexible, modular programmes that allow companies to tailor training more effectively.
“We’re currently lobbying to change apprenticeship structures to be more adaptable,” he says. “This would allow companies to tailor programmes more effectively and use funding to cover in-house training, ensuring learners develop the exact skills we require.”
As apprenticeships continue to evolve, Liam sees potential for stronger industry connections among former apprentices. “When you get everyone in a room for professional development, competition doesn’t matter—it’s about learning as an individual.
Liam's advice for aspiring IT professionals
Liam’s advice for aspiring IT apprentices is simple: embrace every opportunity to learn and stay proactive. He believes apprenticeships accelerate career growth, laying solid foundations for success. “Once you’ve built those foundations, the world is your oyster—as long as you put in the effort,” he says. “It’s not just about opening doors; it drives growth too.”
As Tekgem welcomes its next cohort of apprentices, Liam hopes his story inspires others to follow this path. “My journey isn’t unique—many others have taken similar steps and achieved success,” he says. With demand for cybersecurity professionals soaring, companies investing in apprenticeships can bridge skill gaps while securing their future in a tech-driven world.
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