Case Study – Harry Keating
Name: Harry Keating
Age: 23
Apprenticeship Qualification: Level 6 (Digital Technology BSc)
Length of Scheme: 36 months
Date Started: June 2021
Date Completed: June 2024
Harry Keating is currently a Cybersecurity Analyst with Starbucks, working across Europe and the Middle East to secure and defend the business from all sorts of technical threats.
“You’d be surprised at the amount of tech that goes into a store,” he says, “and of course all that needs to be protected. So that’s where we come in.”
I am proud to be part of the Global Cyber Security team, supporting our cyber security principles across our omni-channel presence.
Harry joined the Starbucks apprenticeship scheme in 2021 and spent the next three years working towards a level 6 apprenticeship, equivalent to a Bachelors degree, in cybersecurity.
For Harry, who was already earning money by the time he finished sixth form thanks to some side hustles outside of school, the opportunity to keep making a living while also gaining a qualification was a more attractive choice than university.
“In early 2021, apprenticeships weren’t as big as they are now and I applied to a couple of them. But the Starbucks one really stood out as they were offering the Level 6 apprenticeship. So I was awarded a Bachelors of Science in Digital Technology.
“The thing that I really enjoyed was all of the learning that goes into it. You believe you know everything but then you realise just how much there is to learn, so learning is constant and even now I’m still learning all the time. Having great team members as well and the opportunity to learn from them – they really took me under their wing. But also, you know, having Starbucks invest in my degree, is also a really good thing!”
Spending one day a week studying with BPP university and the rest working in Starbucks office did bring some challenges.
“The time constraints could be tough. At the start, there’s a lot of teaching and learning, but as you get into that third year that’s when it gets really difficult because you’re applying that knowledge in the real world and managing deadlines for the degree work. There were some weekends taken over with university work, so that was definitely a challenge. But there was plenty of support, both from Starbucks and the university.”
Since graduating in June, Harry has transitioned to a full time role with Starbucks and he has eyes to the future as well.
“My leader fully supports my desire and ambition to develop and progress my career within Starbucks. Starbucks is a really good place to grow, the future looks good.”
And to others considering their next move, his advice is simple: “Definitely evaluate your choices. Understand what is right for you and see what else is out there, because just going down the university route is not the only option any more.”
Case Study – Ally Amaro
Name: Ally Amaro
Age: 23
Apprenticeship Qualification: Level 7 SQE
Length of Scheme: 30 Months
Date Started: January 2025
What motivated you to apply for the Starbucks apprenticeship scheme?
I started working as a Barista at Starbucks in 2022 whilst I was studying for a degree in law at the University of York. I really enjoyed working there, I loved the brand itself, and the culture was really friendly. Eventually, I got promoted to Shift Manager, and then to Assistant Manager when I graduated. I started applying for vacation schemes at traditional law firms, which is obviously very difficult in itself, but then family illness meant I had to put this on the backburner, so I focused on my role at Starbucks.
Whilst there, as recognition for the work I was doing, I was presented with the opportunity to visit Starbucks farmer support centre in Costa Rica as part of the annual Starbucks Origin Experience. The trip further opened my eyes to the world of coffee and Starbucks as an organisation, I felt very inspired, and it fueled my love for coffee.
On the trip I met Starbucks legal director and spoke to her about gaining some legal work experience when we returned. A few months later I was in Starbucks Support Centre (head office) doing two weeks of work experience. I absolutely loved it and got the opportunity to work across an amazing blend of legal areas I never thought I’d be exposed to so early in my career.
Following this, an opportunity arose for a paralegal position at Starbucks which would allow me to gain my solicitor qualification by completing an on-the-job apprenticeship. I jumped at the chance, and now I’m doing exactly what I’d always hoped.
What does a typical day in your apprenticeship look like?
I work a typical week Monday to Thursday at the Starbucks offices and will do an additional couple of hours of studying after work, a few days a week. Fridays are my dedicated day for my apprenticeship qualification, where I’m completely off work mode and focused on studying.
Starbucks has been supportive in balancing everything, no one contacts me on my study days, my managers are really invested in my learning and if I need to take additional study time, everyone has been very accommodating.
What specific skills have you learned during the apprenticeship?
I’ve been getting a lot of on-the-job learning both in law, as well as broader educational skills. But most importantly, I feel so much more confident in a corporate setting, whether it’s speaking to clients or other people in the business, writing professional emails, or just having confidence in my ability to articulate myself well.
What has been the most memorable moment or achievement from your time on the scheme?
Getting up in front of the whole EMEA support business at the weekly Coffee Tasting meeting to share my story of going from a Starbucks Barista at university, to now working in the support centre and gaining my solicitor’s qualification through Starbucks, was very memorable. A few months ago, that’s definitely not something I would’ve been comfortable doing, and it felt quite a pivotal moment for me to have the confidence to do that.
What are your goals after completing the apprenticeship?
Once I’ve completed the scheme, I’ll be a qualified solicitor, so I’ll be looking for a permanent corporate counsel role, whether in Starbucks or elsewhere, as I’m currently a paralegal. I would love to stay on at Starbucks if I can, that would be my dream, to progress within the company.
What would you say to someone considering applying for the Starbucks apprenticeship scheme?
Jump into it headfirst and don’t be scared. I never thought I’d be in the position I am now. When I was working as a barista at university, I brushed off the idea of emailing the Starbucks legal team about gaining work experience as I just didn’t think it would happen and was too scared of rejection. I’d say, just send the email, because I would not be in the position that I am today, had I not just gone for the opportunity when it presented itself.
Do you have any advice for young people looking for similar opportunities?
I used to believe there was a specific path I needed to follow if I wanted to go into law -university, then a training contract, and I’d work my way up there. I never thought there were other options out there for me. There is sometimes a stigma around apprenticeships being a ‘second option’ or a ‘fallback’, but it’s completely untrue and it’s something I’ve realised very quickly. So, my advice would be, just give it a go, there are so many routes to getting where you want to be beyond the traditional route that’s been paved.
Sara Williams, HR director, Starbucks UK: “At Starbucks we take pride in being an exceptional place to work, offering continuous support for our partners throughout their careers. We’re thrilled to be able to offer more apprentice placements this year, with 150 opportunities available across our stores and support centres.
“Creating more pathways into a career with Starbucks means we can employ the very best talent and provide opportunities for our current partners to grow in their roles. Supporting our partners’ career journeys remains a top priority. That’s why we are dedicated to offering qualifications that can be achieved while working.
“Whether you are an existing Starbucks partner looking to accelerate your career, a school leaver considering your options, or someone considering a career change, we have a variety of apprenticeship roles available to explore.”
Chris Bailey, early careers manager, Starbucks UK: “Starbucks is a great place to work and a big part of that is our commitment to the development and capability of our partners (employees), both new and existing. We have actively grown our apprenticeship programme portfolio across the last 12 months to ensure opportunities are available across the whole business and are accessible for all.
“As a business we’re confident that those that undertake an apprenticeship with us gain a high level of knowledge, skills and behaviours which can be utilised to support the continuing growth of Starbucks. Those who are engaged with learning new skills, are resourceful, respectful, curious, and adaptable will succeed here.”
