Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2026 Case Study - Ashraf Abdulghaniyy Akeem

Ashraf Abdulghaniyy Akeem
Software Engineering Apprentice
JPMorgan Chase

As we celebrate Scottish Apprenticeship Week, we are shining a light on the diverse paths young talent can take to build a career in Scotland’s world-leading Financial Services sector. While the traditional university route is well-known, Graduate Apprenticeships are increasingly becoming the "gold standard" for those who want to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world impact. 

Today, we speak with, Ashraf Abdulghaniyy Akeem a Graduate Apprentice at JPMorganChase, who shares how an apprenticeship helped them overcome significant financial barriers as an overseas student, the technical milestones they’ve hit in software development, and why building a community is just as important as writing great code. 

What was the primary factor that led you to choose an apprenticeship over a traditional university degree? 

I chose an apprenticeship over a traditional university degree because apprenticeships offer practical, hands-on learning, which I find very helpful since I love to see the applications of the theory I’m learning. My apprenticeship provides this opportunity, as I work Monday to Thursday (gaining practical experience) and attend university on Fridays (focusing on theory). Another reason I chose an apprenticeship over a traditional degree is that I am classed as an overseas student for fee purposes, which made university fees too expensive for me. An apprenticeship removed this barrier for me , as my employer now pays my university fees and I also get paid as an employee. 

Which technical skill and which 'soft skill' have been most vital to your progression in the industry? 

The technical skill that has been most vital to my progression is learning Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) principles. This forms the foundation of good coding practices and also improved my programming basics. The soft skill that has helped me most is adaptability. Adaptability is a transferable skill. Since I had no prior work experience before starting my apprenticeship, being adaptable has allowed me to quickly adjust to new tasks and environments. 

FinTech can be a high-pressure environment; how did the mentorship or support structure of your apprenticeship help you navigate the transition into the corporate world? 

The internal support structures that has helped me navigate the transition into the corporate world are  mentors, buddies (older apprentices), and weekly sessions with other apprentices where we share experiences, learn from each other, and motivate one another. It’s important to be in a space with others facing similar issues. Imposter syndrome, for example, can be brutal, and you can feel like you don’t belong. But when you share and speak with other apprentices, you realise it’s not just a challenge you face. Having a shared space for that is quite important and helps a lot. 

The culture at JPMorganChase is also very supportive; if you speak to people about your problems or struggles, even if they don’t have an answer, they’ll direct you to resources or people who can help, everyone is always willing to help you. Externally, I have started a community alongside another apprentice which includes apprentices in other companies and universities. This is so we can have a shared space to discuss our challenges, learn from each other, motivate one another, and even socialise together. I started this because I believe that having a strong sense of community is essential for both personal and professional growth. 

If you were speaking to a student considering an apprenticeship today, what is the one thing about the industry - or the apprenticeship itself - that would surprise them the most? 

The application process prepares you for the role itself. Succeeding in an apprenticeship requires discipline, resilience and hard work. 

This journey highlights the true essence of Scottish Apprenticeship Week: opportunity, resilience, and community. By choosing a path that blends high-level technical training with immediate corporate responsibility, this apprentice has not only bypassed financial obstacles but has also become a leader in fostering peer-to-peer support across the industry. 

Their experience serves as a powerful reminder to students across Scotland that while the application process is the first step, the real reward of an apprenticeship is the personal and professional growth that comes from diving into the deep end with a strong support system behind you.