From First Steps To Culture Stars: Shannon & Andrew On Learning, Growth & Belonging

How Early Careers, Community And The Culture Playbook Shape The Next Generation Of Talent 

At Liberty IT, “the product is tech, the power is people” is a lived experience. It’s visible in our teams, in how we collaborate and in the way our people grow from their very first day - that’s why the launch of the Culture Playbook and our new Culture Stars programme has been so meaningful.  

Created by our people, for our people, the Playbook captures the mindsets and behaviours that define who we are. Culture Stars then recognise the everyday champions who bring those values to life through empathy, creativity, teamwork and leadership. 

Two of those first Culture Stars are Shannon, Associate Software Engineer, and Andrew, Apprentice Software Engineer. Both joined Liberty IT through early-career pathways, a scholarship programme and an apprenticeship respectively, and both have become role models for how curiosity, belonging and support help people thrive. 

We sat down with Shannon and Andrew to hear more about their journeys. 

Early Careers And First Impressions 

Anyone joining us through a student role steps into real engineering teams and works alongside experienced mentors from day one, building skills that go far beyond the classroom. But first, tell us about your journey to Liberty IT. What first attracted you to apply? 

Shannon: 

From the start, it was clear that the company invested in its early talent through scholarships and apprenticeships, and this to me signalled that it would be a place where I could genuinely grow. 

Every placement reinforced that with real responsibility, supportive mentors and meaningful work. I’m thriving here and the graduate pathway felt like a natural continuation of that growth.

Andrew: 

I was in sixth form completing my UCAS application while listening to music, when an advert came on featuring Liberty IT’s Apprenticeship programme. 

After looking into it I thought that it sounded like a great opportunity to get hands-on experience by working as a software engineer for a Fortune 500 company, while completing my degree at the same time. 

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of it so far and I feel like I have had the best of both worlds with the theory of university with the practical experience from the industry.

Living The Culture Playbook, Every Day 

Liberty IT’s new Culture Playbook includes the idea that ‘the product is tech, the power is people.’ What does that mean for you day to day? 

Shannon: 

To me, it means our best work happens because of how we work together. Day-to-day, that looks like teammates who pair on tickets, willingly jump in to help and create space to learn, experiment and share knowledge. 

There’s a real emphasis on support and psychological safety… The tech is the result, but the people make it possible.

Andrew: 

To me it promotes the idea that technology and all the amazing innovations that have come with it will change the world, but it's the people behind the technology that are the ones that are truly pushing the boundaries. It has been very exciting to see this innovation first-hand. 

Collaboration, Belonging And Team Culture 

How does the team dynamic at Liberty IT compare to group work from your studies? 

Shannon: 

Group work in university can vary a lot… At Liberty IT, the dynamic is consistently strong. There is shared ownership, clear communication, and a genuine willingness to help each other succeed.

Andrew: 

At university, group work tends to be broken up and accumulated at the end. At Liberty IT, I find there is more opportunity to get feedback, pair on work and truly be part of a team. This ongoing collaboration creates an environment where learning and knowledge sharing happens naturally.

What Culture Stars Recognition Means 

You were both recognised as Culture Stars. What did that moment mean to you? 

Shannon: 

Being recognised felt incredibly rewarding… colleagues congratulating me around the office created such a strong sense of belonging. Beyond the individual boost, it reinforces the mindsets we value as a company.

Andrew: 

I think it helps remind everyone on the team that, no matter the experience level, we all have unique ways of thinking… This encourages more team collaboration and helps us push the limits of the technology we are working with.

Growing Through Support And Continuous Learning 

How does Liberty IT support your development as you grow your career? 

Shannon: 

I’ve always felt encouraged to pursue additional training… That support builds confidence and capability. Importantly, I get to bring that learning back to the team.

Andrew: 

Liberty IT has massively supported my growth… I’ve significantly benefited from the upskilling schemes here. For example, I was able to use Liberty IT’s educational resources to become a Certified AWS Cloud Practitioner.

Advice For Future Graduates And Apprentices 

What advice would you give to someone hoping to join Liberty IT? 

Shannon: 

Say yes to opportunities, be curious and get involved. Reach out to people, ask questions and build relationships… If you actively contribute to the culture, it will help you grow — and you’ll help keep that culture alive for others too. 

Andrew: 

Take every opportunity you can and be willing to step outside your comfort zone. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, seek feedback and explore new technologies. An apprenticeship is all about learning — so take every opportunity you can.

Bringing The Culture Playbook To Life 

Shannon and Andrew are two great examples of how culture isn’t something written, it’s something lived. Through collaboration, curiosity and leadership at every level, they help bring the Culture Playbook to life for their teams and for Liberty IT as a whole. 

And as our first Culture Stars, their stories speak to what makes Liberty IT special: a place where people grow, support one another and shape the future of tech together.