Steph
Graduate ApprenticeIT: Management for Business
Steph Burgoyne has launched her tech career thanks to an IT: Management for Business Graduate Apprenticeship with IBM.
Steph's journey
In 2023, Steph left school at the end of S5. With Highers in Drama, Modern Studies, English and Health and Food Technology, few would’ve predicted that her next step would be a career in tech.
But that’s where Steph’s Graduate Apprenticeship journey began. The former Larbert High School pupil knew she wanted a corporate role, but an advert on TikTok opened her mind to tech-based apprenticeship opportunities.
Two years into her Graduate Apprenticeship, Steph is committed to a career in tech. She’s already logged more than 500 hours of learning and achieved nine digital credentials.
Steph said, ‘When I finish my Graduate Apprenticeship, I’ll have four years’ experience in tech and no debt because I’ve been earning while I learn.’
Steph's apprenticeship
Steph’s Graduate Apprenticeship has allowed her to upgrade her skillset!
As an assistant release and configuration manager, Steph is responsible for one of IBM’s social security accounts. On top of this, she manages three members of staff and coordinates work across 20 global teams – all while studying one day per week at Edinburgh Napier University.
Less than six months into her apprenticeship, Steph successfully managed the release of the Scottish Winter Heating Benefit payment. Her stellar work helped 400,000 people on low incomes access vital funds – a huge responsibility!
Most recently, Falkirk-based Steph led five teams as they worked to improve code quality within IBM. This project resulted in a 25% boost in tracking how software performed.
What are the benefits of doing a Graduate Apprenticeship?
Tell us about your greatest achievement while working at IBM!
Have you changed since starting your Graduate Apprenticeship?
I’m much more independent and confident about who I am. Coming straight from school, I’ve gained all the soft skills you need to work in a corporate environment.
Steph
Graduate Apprentice, IT: Management for Business
The future
Now firmly established at IBM, Steph recognises the key role her apprenticeship has played in her early career. That’s why she’s led the company’s contributions to Scottish Apprenticeship Week for the last two years – running live-stream events and in-person workshops.
In 2025, Steph’s impressive work was recognised at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards. The talented IT professional was crowned as Scotland’s Graduate Apprentice of the Year at the ceremony held in Perth Concert Hall.
So, what comes next for Steph? At just 20, she already aspires to become a senior leader at IBM, with a focus on expanding her knowledge of AI and Cloud.
Steph said, ‘The tech industry moves fast, so having hands-on experience means you’re up to date with everything.’
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