Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week: Spotlight on Alumna Ellie Duffett (Class of 2023)

As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we are delighted to shine a spotlight on an alumna whose journey perfectly embodies ambition, resilience and the power of alternative pathways. Ellie Duffett (Class of 2023) has already made an impressive start to her professional life, demonstrating exactly what can be achieved when passion meets opportunity.

After completing her A Levels, Ellie navigated a highly competitive application process to secure a prestigious eighteen month apprenticeship at Christie’s as part of their London Apprenticeship Programme. This was an extraordinary achievement for a young school leaver, and a testament to Ellie’s drive, professionalism and determination.

Reflecting on her experience, Ellie shared:

“Being an Apprentice at Christie’s was an amazing step and experience for me, working in such a prestigious and busy environment. I would highly recommend completing an Apprenticeship Programme as it allows you to practice and learn an array of invaluable skills in real time, whilst meeting and networking with industry professionals. I am incredibly grateful to Maggie Mortleman and Lingfield College for helping me prepare and secure the job opportunity.”

Ellie was particularly struck by the fast‑paced nature of Christie’s operations and the extraordinary range of items she encountered daily, from decorative arts and high value paintings to handbags and even a Banksy fishbowl.

Choosing not to follow the traditional university route immediately after school can feel daunting, especially when friends are choosing different paths. Ellie’s advice for anyone thinking about an apprenticeship is simple but powerful:

“Be organised. There are so many deadlines and interview stages, especially if you're applying to multiple programmes. Staying organised means, you can be confident going into each stage.”

Christie’s seeks individuals with drive, motivation, creativity and strong communication skills, qualities Ellie demonstrated in abundance.

We are incredibly proud that Ellie has now returned to Lingfield College, working two days a week with our Marketing and Events teams, while also studying for a degree in Multimedia Sport at Wembley University.

Ellie continues to impress us with her energy, professionalism and commitment. We wish her every success with her degree and cannot wait to see where her journey takes her next.