Aimee Holden
Chartered Manager degree apprentice, Stateside Foods
CHOOSING A DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP
I knew I wanted to pursue Business Studies or Management after studying it at A-level. I wanted a degree, however, I also felt ready to work and gain experience. After lots of research, I came across a Degree Apprenticeships Open Evening at Manchester Met and booked my tickets. During the evening, I learnt that the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship was really similar to the undergraduate courses I’d been looking at. However, doing an apprenticeship meant I could work full time. I signed up for the alerts on the Manchester Met Degree Apprenticeship website, and waited for a vacancy.
I did have a few preconceptions. In my mind, apprenticeships were associated with trades and not at degree level. I didn’t know of anyone who had chosen this route before, and all my friends had decided they wanted to go to university.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Stateside Foods released a vacancy for the Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship Programme. I knew that the degree apprenticeship route was the best option for me, so I researched Stateside Foods and completed the application form. I was invited to an assessment day followed by an interview. One week later, I was offered the job!
THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Looking back over the four years on my apprenticeship, the work and study balance was a challenge. I had to make sacrifices in the evenings and weekends to get the work done.
As a degree apprentice, I had all the same support offered as an undergraduate student – I was able to attend additional study skill workshops, which Stateside Foods encouraged all apprentices to attend. In fact, degree apprentices gain additional support: from their skills coaches who visit you in the workplace, from lecturers who are only an email or phone call away, and from the workplace, with support from your mentor and manger.
BALANCING WORK AND STUDY
My working hours at Stateside Foods varied depending upon what department I was working in. I attended University on a Wednesday and Thursday every three weeks, totalling 24 days in an academic year. On my course, I met a wide range of professionals from different industries and this led to lots of interesting open discussions at university.
PROVIDING OPPORTUNITY
The apprenticeship at Stateside Foods allows for each apprentice to spend time in all departments for a set number of weeks. This pushed me out of my comfort zone, but also helped me to build strong networks around the business.
I worked alongside the Corporate Social Responsibility Manager to help implement a new Mental Health Programme for all employees. This allowed me project manage something completely new, and gratefully received within the business.
Most recently, I was a member of the Covid Crisis Management Team, which during such unpredictable times, was highly valued for the safety of employees.
BUILDING A CAREER
Before graduating, I secured a role as Commercial Executive, thanks to my four years’ experience on the apprenticeship and the knowledge I had gained working across the business. I have recently been promoted to Commercial Manager and I’m excited to pursue this new challenge and opportunity.
My cohort was the second group of apprentices to start at Stateside Foods through the degree apprentice programme at Manchester Met. Three cohorts have now successfully completed their degrees and have all been offered their preferred full-time position within the business.
A FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE
I had a fantastic experience overall, both at Manchester Met and at Stateside Foods. I graduated from university with a first class honours degree, CMI Level 5, five years working experience, secured a career, and I am debt-free.
RECOMMENDING A DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP
I would absolutely recommend the degree apprenticeship route. The experience of learning on the job is invaluable and will only be beneficial to you in the future.
Degree apprenticeships should not be seen as the ‘easier’ option – you have to fully commit yourself to the course and job at hand. Push yourself into the deep end and just go for it!