Hi, I’m Janka and on 1 May 2025, I was named West Yorkshire Apprentice of the Year. It still feels surreal to say that out loud. Even more special? My mentor and manager Ian Brewer won Mentor of the Year on the same night! This blog is about how I got here, what I’ve learned and what this award means to me.

🌱 Why I Chose an Apprenticeship

At 17, I made a big decision. Instead of going to university, I chose a Level 3 Digital Marketing Apprenticeship with Bradford District Credit Union (BDCU). I wanted to learn by doing, to gain real-world experience while building my skills and avoiding debt. I never imagined how much this choice would shape my future.

Coming from Slovakia and growing up in an Eastern European community in Bradford, I’ve always valued hard work, resilience and community. I was also born deaf, which meant I had to learn to understand people in different ways by becoming skilled at reading body language, facial expressions and tone. All that has helped me in my work today, especially when it comes to networking and communication.

I wanted to learn on the job rather than in a classroom. When I left secondary school at 16 after completing my GCSEs, I didn't know what I would do next. I knew I wanted to work in the community, but I had no idea how or where to start. So, I decided to volunteer at a youth club to gain experience. I then pursued a Level 3 Child Care course, but I realised it wasn't my calling, so I left after the first year.

I signed up for Bradford College when I discovered apprenticeships that allowed me to learn on the job, which was exactly what I wanted. I was shortlisted for BDCU, and that's where my journey began. The moral of the story is to get started and find your way. Your passion and desires will lead you to where you want to be.

 🎓 My School, My Roots

I went to Oasis Academy Lister Park in Bradford, a school that really embraced and celebrated our community. It gave me the confidence to be proud of where I come from and to dream big. One of the highlights of my apprenticeship so far was returning to my old school in my new role to talk about financial education. Standing in front of students where I once sat, sharing how credit unions and apprenticeships changed my life, was a moment I’ll never forget.

💻 My Role at BDCU

At BDCU, I’ve had the chance to do so much more than I expected. As a not-for-profit community cooperative, our credit union packs a punch in getting people to save. I manage our social media, update our website, create digital campaigns and even launched our TikTok channel to reach younger audiences. I’ve worked on everything from Safer Internet Day webinar with 250 people booked on as well as using digital took for our new website.

One of my proudest moments was co-presenting at the national credit union conference in Leeds with Ian and Nicky from Bradford College. BDCU employs 4 apprentices making up 25% of our staff so sharing our stories and the impact apprentices can have was empowering.

 🤝 The Power of Networking

One of the biggest things I’ve learned during my apprenticeship is the power of networking. Watching Ian, who has a background in international community development, taught me how to read a room, connect with people from all walks of life and speak with confidence, no matter who I’m talking to.

I’ve had the chance to meet and work with amazing people, including the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Cllr Bev Mullaney and the team behind Bradford City of Culture 2025. I’ve learned how to represent BDCU at events, speak about our mission and share the impact of our work.

📢 Sharing Our Message

I’m passionate about telling people what credit unions can do — especially through our Money SOS financial education workshops. I’ve helped promote these sessions, created content to support them and even present updates on Bradford BCB Radio, where I talk about what’s happening at BDCU and how we’re helping the community.

It’s been amazing to see how digital marketing can be used to educate, empower and connect people. Whether it’s through a social media post, a radio segment or a community event, I’ve learned how to use my voice to make a difference.

 📈 Making an Impact

Since joining BDCU, I’ve helped grow our membership by over 1,200 people to reach 11,000 members saving a staggering £6.5 million, boosted our social media engagement and supported projects that led to £2.8 million in loans to our members. I’ve also helped expand our reach to the Roma and Eastern European communities, using my language skills to make financial services more accessible.

But it’s not just about numbers. It’s about people. I’ve seen how digital tools can help someone save for the first time, access support or feel seen and heard. That’s what drives me.

🧠 Learning, Growing and Overcoming

Being an apprentice hasn’t always been easy. Balancing work, study and personal growth takes commitment. But every challenge has taught me something new about resilience, about leadership and about believing in myself.

Ian has been a huge part of that journey. He believed in me from day one, gave me space to grow and always pushed me to aim higher. Seeing him win Mentor of the Year was just as emotional as winning my own award.

🥇 What the Award Means to Me

Winning West Yorkshire Apprentice of the Year is more than a title. It’s a reminder that hard work, passion and purpose can take you places. It’s proof that apprenticeships open doors — and that young people from all backgrounds can lead, innovate and inspire.

I hope my story encourages others to explore apprenticeships. Whether you’re unsure about your next step or facing your own challenges, know this: you can do more than you think. And there are people — like Ian — who will help you get there.

🚀 What’s Next?

I’m continuing my journey in digital marketing, with plans to take on more leadership and innovation projects. I want to keep learning, keep growing and keep making a difference — both in my community and in the world of digital transformation.

Janka Brabcova

Marketing Apprentice at Bradford District Credit Union (BDCU)

You can find out more and connect with Janka on LinkedIn.