Our apprentices in action: degree apprenticeship case studies

Source: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/degree-apprenticeships/apprentices/case-studies/ Parent: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/degree-apprenticeships/apprentices/

At the University of Exeter, our diverse range of degree apprenticeship programmes stands as a testament to our commitment to innovative education. We take pride in fostering a thriving community of over 3,000 apprentices, actively contributing to sectors such as business, engineering, data, and healthcare.

Curious to discover what it’s really like to study a degree apprenticeship with us? Our apprentices share their firsthand insights and experiences on our programmes.

We are proud to actively participate in the annual National Apprenticeship Week. Our dynamic apprentices contribute through our Instagram ExeterUniLife takeovers, with case studies, videos and also participate in events. Join us on our social media where we celebrate our fantastic apprentices and employer partnerships feeds.

Many of our apprentices have gone on to win awards for the outstanding impact they have on their sector including the 2019 IT Apprentice of the Year (the British Computer Society (BCS) IT Industry Awards) and the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards.

Molly

Civil Engineering Degree Apprentice

Studying at the University of Exeter has been a very positive experience. The lecturers have been knowledgeable and helpful, with the programme leaders going out of their way to provide support and guidance when required. Also, the ability to get involved with sports clubs and societies are a bonus, giving the real university experience!

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Allaina

Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprentice

Doing the degree apprenticeship fast tracked my career expeditiously. I have so much more industry knowledge and just a general understanding of the industry climate than if I hadn’t completed the apprenticeship. I am now working as an AI Engineer in IBM Client Engineering. I have been able to learn from industry experts and network with individuals from all across the organisation.

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Kate

Chartered Manager Degree Apprentice

Everyone at the university has been so friendly and supportive; from the librarians who come back to your query within minutes, to the lecturers who support and guide you. If you’ve ever visited the University of Exeter, you’ll know their campus is beautiful, so what better place to graduate.

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Maryam, Digital and Technology Solutions Apprentice working as a Global Data Analyst at Bloomberg

Hannah, Civil Engineering Apprentice working at Piling Division at Elephant and Castle

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Shumailla, Senior Leader Apprentice working as Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Harrow Council

Learn more about how her learning on the Senior Leader Apprenticeship has helped drive positive change.

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Katie, Digital and Technology Solutions Apprentice working as Security Project Manager at IBM

Learn more about how Katie’s applied her academic knowledge to her day-to-day role.

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Amit, Senior Leader Apprentice working as Executive Director, and Global Head for Securities Operations Controls at J P Morgan

Learn about Amit’s career progression since studying the Senior Leadership Apprenticeship.

Alejandra

Diagnostic Radiographer Degree Apprentice

Studying a degree apprenticeship has really helped me change my career path into something more aligned with my values. Every day is different and brings an opportunity to learn something new. Before the programme, I had been working as a Health Care Assistant for around two years. After I had decided that nursing wasn’t for me but wanted to stay in healthcare, my employer encouraged me to apply for the Diagnostic Radiographer Degree Apprenticeship programme.

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Ryan

Civil Engineering Degree Apprentice

After finishing my A-levels and starting my career, the idea of studying at a Russell Group university six years later seemed impossible. However, with the degree apprenticeship, what once seemed impossible became a reality. Looking back on my experience at the University of Exeter, I have fond memories that will stay with me forever.

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Jon

Senior Leader (Healthcare) Degree Apprentice

Studying a degree apprenticeship whilst working full-time certainly isn’t easy but I think it’s about getting into a rhythm and being systematic with your workload. I really love the application of the knowledge in the degree apprenticeship, so I can take my webinar or lecture and apply it the next day or week in the workplace.

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Molly, Civil Engineering Degree Apprentice

Tell us about your role within the company you work for and what it involves. How does it relate to the degree apprenticeship?

I work for a large multi-discipline engineering consultancy within their Bridges team based in Exeter. As a bridge engineer, I am involved in all aspects of the asset lifecycle – from design and construction to maintenance and demolition. I work closely with local councils to maintain their structures and ensure that all the bridges you and I use daily are safe and capable carrying today’s traffic requirements. The degree apprenticeship has allowed me to develop my technical skills in all areas of engineering, not just my discipline, and given me the skills and confidence to expand my knowledge into cross-discipline projects.

What would you say were the benefits of doing an apprenticeship in comparison to returning to full-time education?

An apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to apply what you have learnt in the classroom to real-world projects and being active in a workplace allows you to develop professional skills you wouldn’t otherwise develop in full-time education, such as professionalism, networking, and collaboration with multiple disciplines. Apprenticeships also give you an opportunity to earn a wage, allowing your personal life to progress alongside your degree, and you come out the other side with a degree and no debt.

How has studying for a degree apprenticeship benefitted your future career? Has it opened new doors or progression for you?

The benefits of doing a degree apprenticeship are that it boosts your career significantly. Compared to the typical path of university and then work, by the time I finished my part time degree (which is only 2 years longer than a traditional degree) I have amassed 5 years of direct industry experience and achieved professional accreditation within my industry. I am much more employable and earning a better wage in my position than someone who has complete a full-time degree and gained 2 years industry experience.

How important are the roles of workplace mentor and academic mentor for you as an apprentice?

Workplace mentors are crucial to the successful completion of the apprenticeship. The workplace mentor not only teaches the apprentice based on their experience, but also works with the university to ensure the company are giving the apprentice relevant experience to pass professional accreditation. Academic mentors also play a crucial role in the apprenticeship, acting as a point of contact for any academic worries, as well as reporting back to the workplace mentor with suggestions on how the company can support the apprentice.

How supportive has Exeter been? How have they helped you through the process?

The University of Exeter has been incredibly supportive throughout my time studying and after graduating. The Degree Apprenticeships team has kept me informed of my responsibilities regarding the End Point Assessment (EPA) and professional accreditation throughout the course, inviting special guests to deliver informative presentation about the EPA. They have also helped through the next steps after graduating, chatting about further education, and even acting as references for applications.

Allaina, Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprentice

Tell us about your role within the company you work for and what it involves. How does it relate to the degree apprenticeship?

I have been working as an AI Engineer in IBM Client Engineering for the past 3 months. Before this and during my apprenticeship, I worked as a Software Engineer in IBM Engineering. Much like the assignments I had to complete for my modules, I would have to analyse the customer use case, research the technologies I needed to use, program and test the prototype application, and then present it to the stakeholders.

How have you found balancing study for the apprenticeship, but also having a busy working life – any hints and tips?

Honestly, it was a challenge to balance both work and the apprenticeship throughout the 4 years of the course. My ability to balance the two fluctuated over the years; however, each year I learnt what works for me so that when the final year arrived, I knew exactly what I needed to do to meet my deadlines and troubleshoot problems that arose.

In this respect, time management, planning ahead, and setting limits to how much of your time and effort can be focused on work during the academic year is pertinent to successfully balancing work and study. This is particularly important during the March-May period because it is the busiest time for university deadlines and exams, so staying on top of things is important to not get overwhelmed.

How has the studying for a degree apprenticeship benefited your future career? Has it opened new doors or progression for you?

Doing the degree apprenticeship fast tracked my career expeditiously. I have so much more industry knowledge and just a general understanding of the industry climate than if I hadn’t completed the apprenticeship. I was able to learn from industry experts and network with individuals from all across the organisation. From this, I was able to get a mentor in IBM Research that shared with me the AI Engineer role that I now am in. If I hadn’t done the degree apprenticeship, met the people I have and gained the experience I did, I wouldn’t have found this role.

Additionally, Digital and Technology Solutions degree gave me a breadth of understanding that acts as a solid foundation for me to work from. As a technical person, it taught me how to ground technical solutions to business problems and be able to explain those solutions in a way non-technical individuals can understand.

Kate, Chartered Manager Degree Apprentice

Tell us about your role within the company you work for and what it involves.  How does it relate to the degree apprenticeship?

I work for Focus Group, who are a leading business technology provider based in the UK as a People Experience Partner. When I started my degree apprenticeship with Exeter, I was the Commercial Manager for the South West. In developing my knowledge, skills and behaviours in business management, I realised my passion for employee experience.

How have you found balancing study for the apprenticeship, but also having a busy working life – any hints and tips?

Completing a degree apprenticeship isn’t easy. I had to keep reminding myself that I was studying for a realdegree from a Russell Group university! Some tips I would recommend:

Keep your line manager informed. Your employer has signed up to support you through this journey so keep them up to date, use the knowledge of your workplace mentor and don’t be afraid to look for a subject-specific mentor if needed.
Write down 2/3 things you’ve learned after every session.Keep an eye on your progress and reflect at the end of each module – you’ll find you’ve learned a lot that can be applied to your role in the workplace.
Manage your time.Set yourself mini goals for what you want to achieve in your study time. If you have an hour free to study, what are you going to achieve, how many words are you going to write? Hold yourself accountable to it and try not getting distracted.
Give yourself a break!Not only by taking regular breaks from your study time but also being kind to yourself. It’s easy to become trapped in your own thoughts when things get tough, but writing some positive affirmations can change your mindset when you’re halfway through a 4,000 word assignment.

What would you say were the benefits of doing an apprenticeship in comparison to returning to full-time education?

I originally signed up for part-time study for a business management degree with another university, and I’m so glad I switched to an apprenticeship. You get to apply the skills to your role – everything you learn can be applied somewhere; from your time management and research skills to the subject-specific knowledge you’re gaining.

Would you recommend Exeter to other students thinking of taking part in a degree apprenticeship?

Absolutely. Everyone at the university has been so friendly and supportive; from the librarians who come back to your query within minutes, to the lecturers who support and guide you. If you’ve ever visited the University of Exeter, you’ll know their campus is beautiful, so what better place to graduate.