From Junk Mail to Tech Trailblazer: Felicity Bruce's Inspiring Journey at Vodafone

Felicity Bruce, currently a Level 5 Apprentice in Digital and Technology Solutions at Vodafone UK, embarked on her tech journey after discovering an invitation to apply for a Vodafone degree apprenticeship in her junk mail folder.

Despite initially considering universities like Aberdeen and Nottingham to pursue a traditional degree course, Felicity finally chose the apprenticeship as this offered her the best of all worlds - the chance to gain real-world experience, work towards a degree qualification and earn a salary at the same time all whilst not accumulating any student debt.

The apprenticeship programme, delivered as part of the Institute of Technology combines rigorous academic learning with hands-on industry experience, equipping learners like Felicity with the in-demand skills required to thrive in the fast-paced tech sector. The IoT courses are specifically designed to address the skills gap in areas like digital technology, engineering, and advanced manufacturing, ensuring that apprentices are prepared to excel in their careers.

Since joining Vodafone on the Software Engineer pathway for the Digital and Technology Solutions degree apprenticeship, Felicity has made a significant contribution to the organisation, in particular,  to the My Vodafone app where she has significantly improved the user experience as well as making it possible for the Analytics Team to accurately track user interaction.

For Felicity, one of the joys of her job is being able to show family and friends who use the Vodafone network the real difference she is making on a daily basis on their actual phones. And it's work that hasn't gone unnoticed in the industry either with Felicity being shortlisted as a finalist for the Women in Tech Apprentice of the Year award 2024.

Outside of her apprenticeship, Felicity's interest in tech doesn't stop with her work teaching coding to students aged 4 to 16. She is a passionate advocate for apprenticeship programmes too and believes they should be promoted in schools and colleges as an equal alternative to a traditional university education.

In the future, Felicity hopes to become fully conversant in Android app development and intends to continue to promote the benefits of apprenticeships and inspire others to follow in her footsteps.

To find out more about the apprenticeship programme Felicity is currently following, visit our dedicated web page or contact Dr Colette Mazzola-Randles at cmaz@blackpool.ac.uk