Choosing a degree apprenticeship  

When I was 15, I attended the ‘Arup Design Programme’ work experience week, where I collaborated with about 20 students from different schools on a fictional project focused on planning a music festival. On the final day of the event, I was invited back to do further work experience with the digital team, which led to me undertaking a Level 3 Software Development Apprenticeship with Arup after my GCSEs.  

I started my software development role with no software development experience. When I first started at Arup, I worked on a broad range of projects that allowed me to understand the different roles in digital and helped me to understand where I wanted my career to go.

Once I had completed the Level 3 apprenticeship, the next step was applying for a degree apprenticeship, and I decided to pursue the data specialism as it would allow me to develop the widest set of skills.

Choosing Manchester Met 

When I was researching for a degree apprenticeship, I wanted to go with a provider that I trusted and had a good reputation. I decided upon Manchester Met as a colleague was already studying on the Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship there, and so I felt reassured that my experience with the University would be a positive one, and it has been.  

Award Winner  

I have been able to get involved in some brilliant things during my apprenticeship, from making meaningful technical contributions to projects, positively impacting the business through my work as the Early Careers Group Apprenticeship Lead and sharing my passion for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and apprenticeships through outreach in schools. I am passionate about changing the perception of apprenticeships in schools, as I believe it is vital that students are made aware of all the possibilities open to them for further study when not everyone wants to or can, embark on A-levels or a full-time degree programme.  

In 2022, I won the Association of Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) Apprentice of the Year award. In the same year, I was also Highly Commended in the British Computer Society (BCS) IT and Digital Apprenticeship Awards in the Digital Degree Apprenticeship category. It was quite incredible to have industry recognition of my contributions, and the response at work has been fantastic. I always say that being an apprentice is nothing like the stereotypes I hear about making tea and photocopying – you can win awards, travel, go on-site visits, and make an impact in your industry.  

Support received from the University

The support from Manchester Met has been excellent, particularly from my Skills Coach who has always been very quick to respond to me and action any requests. I’ve found the tripartite meetings between my skills coach and employer valuable for summarising where I am in my journey, making plans for moving forward and ensuring that my learning at work aligns with my learning at university. The key to a successful apprenticeship is the apprentice, employer and training provider all working together.    

Advice for new degree apprentices  

The crucial advice I can give is to be yourself and be passionate because, at an apprentice level, you’re not expected to know everything. You are there to learn. When you’re interviewing for a company to get an apprenticeship, it’s all about your willingness to learn, open-mindedness and passion for what you’re going to be doing. Remember that it’s your attitude and personality that will get you the apprenticeship.  

Find out more about the Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship.