Peer-to-peer learning

The Digital and Technology Solutions Masters Degree Apprenticeship has provided me with the skills to go out and seek knowledge and be proactive in solving problems for my organisation. Working with the other apprentices on the course has been invaluable, as the course structure has meant that we must work together to share knowledge and research solutions. It’s meant that I have learned to be proactive in solving problems for my organisation through the assignments and projects that I complete, and I’ve built lasting professional relationships with my colleagues on the course.

It’s been a brilliant journey and I’ve certainly dramatically improved my soft skills. I’ve learned that it’s about making sure that no matter what you’re trying to achieve, you take all your relevant stakeholders and colleagues with you on the journey.

Growing in confidence

Even though I had a lot of prior experience of writing reports and giving presentations, I’ve found that the higher-level study on the masters degree apprenticeship has given me a new level of confidence in my written work and the way I present my findings to stakeholders. I have the confidence to know that if I research my topic and present it confidently, I will be able to bring them along on the journey. Engaging with all the support available for academic skills at Manchester Met, particularly academic study skills and the library, has meant that I have been able to share that learning with my team and upskill all of us in written and presentation skills.

Supporting my professional development

I joined my employer as a Senior Project Manager, delivering a major project on a fixed-term contract. They offered to sponsor me to study on the masters degree apprenticeship alongside that project. I’ve now secured a permanent role and a promotion to ICT Programme Manager. In my new role I manage a team of 10 and coordinate ICT change required to deliver services to my directorate. I am also part of the extended Senior Management Team. I would not have secured my promotion and permanent contract without the knowledge, skills, and confidence that the masters degree apprenticeship has given me.

Benefits for life

My recommendation to anyone is to consider a degree apprenticeship, and I’m encouraging my team members to apply for the course. I would say that the benefits that you get from doing a masters degree apprenticeship are with you for life. You’ll learn some skills that you’ll never learn from the workplace, and it will also help you to progress your career. It takes a high level of commitment, but if you’re willing to give it that time and effort then the rewards are massive.