From Apprentice of the Year to BT Business Analyst
Alumni Trailblazers
This month, we’re celebrating Joshua Fiddler, a former Weston College learner who’s now making waves as a Business Analyst at BT. Joshua first gained recognition as our Business Administration Apprentice of the Year in 2017, and his journey since then has been inspiring.
We caught up with him to learn more about his path and what he’s up to now.
Joshua completed consecutive Business Administration apprenticeships at Levels 2 and 3 at Weston College. After finishing, he stayed with his initial employer Brabantia for six years, building a strong foundation before moving to BT.
Over the past four years, he’s taken on various business improvement roles, driving transformation and championing change across the organisation. He chose the Business Administration apprenticeship because it offered a hands-on way to earn while learning and develop practical skills. Reflecting on his college experience, Joshua describes it as “excellent,” highlighting supportive instructors and guidance.
A standout moment was participating in WorldSkills, which pushed him beyond his comfort zone. He also credits his instructor, Lyndsey Lawrence, for mentorship that left a lasting impression. College gave Joshua both the business skills and the confidence to navigate daily operations effectively. Through his apprenticeship, he gained insights into the logistics industry and began to explore career possibilities.
While his path wasn’t fully defined at the time, the experience laid a solid foundation for future growth. After leaving college, Joshua progressed within his first company before seeking opportunities in larger organisations. When BT came calling, he embraced the chance to move into the telecoms sector and focus on large-scale business improvement.
One pivotal moment in his career came during a business restructuring, where he was asked to run daily operations after senior management departures. This intense challenge accelerated his management skills, supported by a mentor who helped him navigate complex organisational change. Agility and adaptability have been central to Joshua’s career, especially in roles driving change.
He believes these qualities provide a competitive edge and allow success in unpredictable situations. Joshua’s advice to students? Keep an open mind, stay true to yourself, and connect with people – friends, family, and colleagues alike – because opportunities often come from unexpected conversations.
If he could speak to his younger self, he’d say: “Smile more and don’t leave assignments until the last minute!” Joshua credits Weston College with shaping his journey: it gave him the skills, confidence, and opportunities to reach where he is today.
His advice to current and prospective students is simple: embrace every chance, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to try new things – you never know where it might lead.
Interested in an apprenticeship? Take a look at our apprenticeship opportunities here.
If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.