Why did you choose a degree apprenticeship?

From A-levels, I knew I wanted to progress onto university and study Business. It is a passion of mine; I love to focus on the business section when reading the news and learning about the inner workings of how organisations function. My friends and I, some of whom were also going to study business, were all looking at going to university through the traditional undergraduate route. I had seen the Degree Apprenticeship route being advertised on social media, it interested me, but I disregarded it as I did not think it would hold the same weight as a normal undergraduate degree.

After some further research, I discovered that at the end of the 4-year programme you still come out with a normal BSc/BA degree, at the exact same level as a normal undergraduate degree. I was also skeptical about the content of the course, I thought compared to my friends, I would miss out on key modules and learning. After being sent a course handbook it was clear that the proposed depth and quality of learning was on par, if not better, than what some other undergraduate courses offered. From this point, I knew that a degree apprenticeship could be a possibility. 

The deciding factor for me was the accumulation of experience, the best of both worlds - I was able to attain a degree while gaining valuable experience in a real business. 

In years to come, this decision could be beneficial for me personally. I will have a degree but with over four years’ experience too. Something employers value greatly.

Looking back over your time (so far), how have you found the whole experience?

To sum up the experience in one word I would say challenging. The biggest challenge is the balancing of time and activities between work and university. From speaking with other university students on my course, some students preferred to complete university assignments after work; some preferred and had arrangements to do so during work.

We were expected to be in university between 2-4 times per month, usually in two-day blocks. However, because of the pandemic, our 4th-year schedule changed to online. Personally, I much prefer online learning. It can be more interactive, and I find it a more efficient use of my time.

Everyone you encounter at the University is incredibly supportive. Especially now we are relying even more on digital forms of communications like online meetings and emails. Lecturers and support staff and the University always come back to you very quickly and offer support.

In the final year, we are asked to complete a workplace project that can help benefit the organisation. We are taught valuable project management techniques and solutions. With the project, we are encouraged to integrate all aspects of the different modules from the previous three years. Whether this is from finance, operations or sales and marketing.

How are you hoping a degree apprenticeship will support your career progression?

I am happy with my current job. However, I know things can change and new opportunities present themselves. I am confident the degree and experience I have gained from the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship will put me in a good and competitive place within the labour market.

What impact has your degree apprenticeship had in the organisation?

The Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship has made me a well-rounded manager. I’m aware of my strengths but equally aware of my weaknesses. My confidence in getting a result out of difficult situations soared, as a result, I’d like to think of myself as an integral, balanced, member of the management team.

The main thing I would take away from the Apprenticeship is its impact on individuals to appreciate the wider context of their situation. Business is so much more than the inner workings of an organisation, it is the wider society, the variety of market drivers and the competencies of the organisation to name a few. Taking a step back occasionally can do you a world of good.

What special achievements have you made during your degree apprenticeship?

The team that I work in has managed to achieve two ‘Outstanding’ CQC inspections in the last three years. It is an incredible team achievement, and it makes my company the only healthcare business in Trafford to have such a rating.

The community connections I have been able to build have been beneficial for the organisation. I have worked with Kate Green (Shadow Education Secretary) to publicise our achievements. I am also a regular writer for homecareinsights.co.uk, writing articles on COVID, the CQC and the industry as a whole.

Would you recommend a degree apprenticeship?

Absolutely! If you want to continue with your education but gain valuable experience it really is the best of both worlds. You will meet some fantastic people.

Do you have any advice for future Degree Apprentices?

You need to be committed and prepared to put the hours in. There is no point in glossing over it. There will be times where you finish work later than usual, then you have to go home and start university work. That is just the reality of it.

Be organised and try to stick to a schedule that gives you balance. Seeing friends and family is important too!