Angela Malik: A Passion for Policy
Angela Malik’s career journey is a powerful example of how apprenticeships can drive personal and professional growth. After working on the front line, supporting residents with welfare benefits, Angela became acutely aware of the impact that government rules and regulations can have on individuals
Inspired to effect change on a broader scale, she decided to move into a role where she could help shape those very policies. “I wanted to move into a more empowering role in policy to help influence decision-making so there can be a fairer system for all,” Angela recalls.
In 2023, Angela completed the Level 4 Policy Officer Apprenticeship, a programme that provided her with the skills and knowledge to make this transition successfully. Now working as a policy and project officer for the London Borough of Camden, Angela focuses on adult social care and adult health strategy. This role allows her to apply what she learned during her apprenticeship, working on solutions that directly impact the well-being of her community.
Navigating a career change
Angela’s shift from welfare support to policy was a bold career move that required gaining in-depth knowledge of project management, strategy, and policy-making. “I was doing a career change and wanted to move into policy, so I thought this would give me the knowledge and experience I needed to progress,” Angela explains.
Initially, Angela considered pursuing a master’s degree in policy. However, the cost and time demands were prohibitive. “To do an MA part-time would cost about £10,000 a year, and I’d have to work full-time and study on evenings and weekends,” she said. Instead, she chose the apprenticeship route, which offered a practical, affordable way to gain the skills she needed while continuing to work.
The apprenticeship route
The Policy Officer Apprenticeship provided the ideal balance for Angela—offering 20% protected study time during her work week, allowing her to integrate learning into her role:
“With the apprenticeship, it’s part of your working week. You get about 20% protected time to work on your course. This setup eliminated the need for out-of-pocket expenses or sacrificing her personal time for study.”
Through the apprenticeship, Angela developed critical skills, including horizon scanning and policy analysis. “You have to analyse what’s going on in the political world, what’s happening in the community, and how that might affect your policy area. It can be quite technical, but having professionals guiding you through that process was really helpful,” she recalls.
The programme’s practical, hands-on approach allowed Angela to apply her learning in real-time. Additionally, working with experienced industry professionals gave her valuable insights that enhanced her development.
A confident and skilled Policy Officer
Angela emerged from her apprenticeship with a deepened understanding of policy-making and a boost in confidence. “I’ve gained a lot of confidence in this area, and my learning has been greatly enhanced—particularly in project management and understanding the policy cycle,” she says. Her current role, focusing on adult social care and adult health strategy, allows her to directly apply these skills.
Additionally, the apprenticeship expanded Angela’s professional network, both internally and externally. “I got to know a lot of people, even internally. I’d reach out to people in other teams when I needed to learn more about a specific area. So, it’s been really good for building my working network as well,” she shares.
When a policy and project officer role became available, Angela’s commitment to her new career path was clear. “Having the apprenticeship on my application really helped because it showed my commitment to that area, especially coming from a different field,” she notes. Her combined practical experience and academic achievements made her a standout candidate.
Advice for employers and apprentices
Angela’s experience demonstrates the power of apprenticeships for both employees and employers. For businesses, supporting apprenticeships leads to staff retention and higher-quality work:
“An apprenticeship helps with staff retention because they’re able to learn and develop in the role. The quality of work improves as the apprentice’s skill set increases, which benefits the employer and the clients.”
For future apprentices, Angela offers a key piece of advice: “Make sure your manager is on board because you’ll need their support with the course. It’s really important that you have time to do the course and that you’re supported in your learning.”
Angela Malik’s apprenticeship journey highlights the effectiveness of this alternative educational path. Her ability to seamlessly integrate learning into her work and build the necessary skills has led to a successful career transition, proving that apprenticeships are a powerful tool for career development. Now, as a policy and project officer, Angela is making an impact in the areas of adult social care and health strategy, equipped with the confidence and expertise she gained through her apprenticeship.