Career College student wins top #apprenticeship with Amazon Web Services

A 17-year-old Career College student has had his hard work rewarded with a lucrative apprenticeship offer from digital giant AWS.

Mihai Daniel Eremia (Dani) joined BMet’s Digital Career College last year to study for a Level 3 Software Developer qualification. He had moved to the UK from his native Romania to achieve his ambition of working in the IT industry.

With his college course coming to an end Dani, determined to reach his career goal, applied for an AWS apprenticeship (Level 4 SDE Software Developer). An intensive interview process followed and Dani successfully beat off fierce competition. He was offered the exciting apprenticeship opportunity, which he’ll start in September at the company’s HQ in London.

As part of his course earlier this year, Dani took part in a Career Colleges project with AWS and the Samaritans. This involved working with a team of his fellow students to develop an innovative digital solution, promoting physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of young people.

The eight-week project culminated with each group presenting their ideas to a panel of judges at AWS’ offices in London. Dani stood out during this presentation and was urged to apply for the apprenticeship opportunity.

Digital Director of the Career Colleges Trust, Julia Von Klonowski, led the AWS project – giving digital Career College students the chance to work on a live project with a leading employer. She says: 

“Myself and my colleagues at the Trust are absolutely delighted for Dani. Gaining this apprenticeship is a huge achievement and testament to Dani’s phenomenal work ethic, drive and determination. These qualities are vital for success and Dani is proof of what can be achieved if you put your mind to it. To think that he spoke very little English just 10 months ago is remarkable.

“I have no doubt that Dani will be a credit to AWS and become a very skilled software developer. I hope his success inspires other young people and highlights the many opportunities available in the exciting and expanding digital industry.”

Reflecting on his achievements, Dani says:

“AWS is such an exciting company. I can’t wait to work for them and learn everything I can about software development and programming. My aim has always been to work in the IT industry and this was my main reason for leaving my home country and coming to the UK. I plan to become a software developer, manage my own team and then ultimately have my own start-up company.

“Being part of the Career College AWS project was key to me securing this apprenticeship. I knew from the moment I stepped into AWS’ offices that it was a place I wanted to work – and presenting to senior staff members here during the project really increased my confidence. I am truly grateful to Julia and Career Colleges for the help they have given me.

“I am really proud of my hard work so far and will continue to do my best and achieve my dreams.”