Higher and Degree Apprenticeships can offer the best of both worlds - combining university study and practical workplace learning to attain a full undergraduate or postgraduate degree qualification.
For businesses, this route to training and developing staff is both tailored and affordable as programmes are shaped in consultation with employers and costs are funded, or heavily subsidised, by Government.
For the apprentice, it provides practical and relevant skills and knowledge that can be applied immediately in the workplace and an opportunity to attain a degree qualification, at no cost; apprentices are paid a salary whilst completing the programme.
Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year, Northumbria University, is a leading Higher and Degree Apprenticeship training provider and was one of the first UK universities to offer the programmes.
We spoke to Katie Withers, Road and Street Works Professional Assistant at Durham County Council, who is currently completing a Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship with Northumbria University, to find out more about her experience.
Why did you decide to undertake a degree apprenticeship?
It is a bit of an unusual story! I went to university and trained as a dentist but unfortunately, after qualifying and practising for three years, I realised I didn’t enjoy it. It was a turning point in my life where I decided to walk away from dentistry and find a new career path.
I considered various options, but I had financial commitments so going back to studying full time wasn’t an option. I came across degree apprenticeships which allowed me to work and study at the same time, which seemed ideal.
It was important to me to qualify in a new profession that had a clear career path. In this respect, I found civil engineering really appealing. As a civil engineer you are working across the entire built environment so there are lots of options and routes to choose from. I am now in my second year and thoroughly enjoying it – it’s the best decision I ever made.
What have you gained from the programme so far?
I would say that the programme has shaped me into a very well-rounded person. I have picked up lots of new skills, but I have also been able to apply my transferable skills from dentistry, which is the best of both worlds.
With this degree apprenticeship, I am learning something that I can see a future in; I can picture the path through my degree, followed by the professional route to move through my career.
The modules and lecturers are great, as well as the evaluation method that combines written assignments and exams. The programme offers an excellent mix of practical work and theory, which is brilliant.
What have been your highlights?
I would say winning the Apprentice of the Year award at the Durham County Council Inspiring People Awards and being shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year at the national Highways Awards have definitely been key highlights.
I put myself forward for the latter and it was a lovely surprise finding out that I had been shortlisted. I saw the awards advertised in Highways magazine and they were looking for apprentices who had perhaps taken a sidestep from a different career, just like I did. It felt nice to be recognised even though I didn’t win.
I am thrilled to have achieved my first step on the professional engineering ladder with EngTech registration and recently, I have registered as a STEM ambassador too.
What advice would you give to someone considering a degree apprenticeship?
I would highly recommend it, especially to someone who is just leaving school, as the degree combines an excellent academic programme with real professional training.
It’s also an amazing alternative for people like me, who want to retrain or change careers, but can’t take the financial hit of returning to full time education.
For more information about Higher and Degree Apprenticeships at Northumbria University, visit:
www.northumbria.ac.uk/business-services/engage-with-us/degree-apprenticeships
