As National Apprenticeship Week continues, we’re sharing the stories of Gamma employees whose journeys embody this year’s theme: skills for life. One such story is that of Melanie Fraulini (People Services Team Leader), whose data apprenticeship has not only equipped her with technical expertise but also transformed her confidence and professional capabilities.
To explore this further, Steve Baker-Wise, Early Careers Manager, sat down with Melanie and Vanessa Cubillo Patricio (Head of People Services) to discuss how apprenticeships are driving professional and personal growth at Gamma.
A year of growth
Reflecting on her progress since last year’s National Apprenticeship Week, Melanie shared just how much has changed.
“I’m in a completely different position now compared to last year,” she says. “I’m approaching the end of my apprenticeship – actually, I have my final assessment today, so no pressure there!”
Beyond acquiring technical skills, Melanie highlights the impact the programme has had on her confidence.
“I always liked data – that’s why I went into a data apprenticeship—but I’d never had structured teaching that made me feel confident in discussing, analysing, and presenting data. That’s been the biggest change for me.”
Her transformation from an amateur to a professional, as she describes it, has been both empowering and deeply rewarding.
Applying skills in real-world projects
One of the most significant projects Melanie has worked on during her apprenticeship is Gamma’s HR system migration to Dayforce. A project of this scale involves handling and transferring large volumes of employee data, ensuring accuracy, and identifying discrepancies early on.
“People don’t always realise how much data sits behind an HR system,” Melanie explains. “When you switch systems, it’s not just a case of pressing a button. Having technical knowledge helped me identify errors quickly and ensure the data we transferred was accurate.”
This ability to critically assess data, spot inconsistencies, and ensure high-quality reporting has been a key takeaway from her apprenticeship.
The manager’s perspective
From a leadership standpoint, Vanessa Cubillo Patricio has seen first-hand how the apprenticeship has shaped Melanie’s capabilities.
“This is my fourth time supporting someone on an apprenticeship, and each experience is different,” she explains. “Mel was incredibly self-driven. She didn’t need pushing – what she needed was an environment that allowed her to focus.”
To facilitate this, the team structured Melanie’s workload so that Wednesdays and Friday afternoons were dedicated to learning, free from distractions.
“We stuck to our word,” Vanessa says. “The whole team worked around those days, ensuring she had the time to develop her skills properly. Seeing how much she’s grown in confidence and ability has been brilliant – not just in terms of data, but in how she carries herself.”
Real-world impact
One of Melanie’s standout achievements has been streamlining HR reporting processes.
“We report on key HR metrics every month. It used to take me a day and a half to prepare that data. Now, with what I’ve learned, it takes me a couple of hours,” she reveals.
This efficiency not only saves time but also allows the team to make data-driven decisions faster, improving the overall workflow.
Steve Baker-Wise emphasises the broader significance of these skills:
“Your apprenticeship is all about data literacy – wringing every last drop out of Excel, using tools effectively, and learning to tell compelling stories with data. It’s about making informed decisions and driving real change.”
Looking ahead
As her apprenticeship draws to a close, Melanie is excited about what the future holds.
“Data is everywhere,” she says. “In HR, it’s still an emerging field, but as Gamma grows, there will be more need for accurate, strategic, data-driven decision-making. I want to be part of that shift.”
For Vanessa, ensuring that Melanie’s skills don’t go to waste is a top priority.
“We’re working hard behind the scenes to make sure Mel has opportunities to apply what she’s learned – not just for her own growth, but for the benefit of the team and the wider business.”
As Steve concludes, apprenticeships like this are about building skills for life—skills that shape careers, transform confidence, and drive innovation across Gamma and beyond.