Finding the perfect balance between gaining hands-on experience and academics can be challenging. For many, degree apprenticeships offer the ideal solution. Combining paid employment with a university-level qualification, these programmes equip apprentices with the skills, knowledge, and qualifications needed for their chosen careers—all while earning while they learn!
We spoke to Daniel, a degree apprentice studying at UCW while he works for Airbus, who shared some insights into why he chose a degree apprenticeship. From practical experience and financial independence to direct career advantages, he highlighted how his apprenticeship has set him up for success! Daniel spoke at the Future of Our Region Employer Conference last year, impressing employers with his passion for degree apprenticeships.
Why did you choose to study a degree apprenticeship?
There are several reasons as to why I wanted to pursue an Apprenticeship over going to university. When doing an apprenticeship, you gain access to experiences and opportunities that would normally not be available to those doing a normal degree. Many of these opportunities will only be found in industry and quite often only happen once. Some good examples of this within engineering would be equipment tests, flight demonstrations and other unique opportunities. You find yourself moving around the business frequently, thus meeting a wide array of people of different backgrounds and positions to develop networks and skills within the industry.
One of the major factors that influenced my decision since I couldn’t overlook how I would pay for university. I, like many others, found that I would not be able to afford university without getting into a lot of debt. Many people rely on their parents to lend them money in order to pay for food, rent etc while at university. Others rely on a maintenance loan to help them. What I found was that my parents were not willing or able to lend me money and my background meant that I did not qualify for a loan that was sufficient.
After speaking to people within the field, either through LinkedIn or Royal Aeronautical Society events such as lectures, I found that there was a consensus that those with experience were favoured over those who were fresh out of university when looking for a suitable employee. As an apprentice I am given at least 3 years of experience by the time I finish my degree, thus making me more suitable for employment and I have an almost guaranteed job by the end of my apprenticeship.
Has your degree apprenticeship helped you gain experience in a range of different areas?
I am currently only two years through my four-year course but in this time I have had a wide range of experiences. Ranging from equipment demonstrations, assembly lines, site tours etc. I have also developed skills that are useful to me within a professional environment and for my own personal development. I have been taught practical skills such as operating milling machines, utilising composite materials and using sheet metal to produce a wingbox section. Now that I am in the workplace, I will be moving around the business, experiencing different areas such as system installation, research and technology, wing architecture and much more in the future.
What have you been most proud of in your degree apprenticeship so far?
I feel that during my time in my apprenticeship I have seriously improved my confidence! I now feel far more comfortable speaking publicly and giving presentations. This is mostly down to the emphasis on developing interpersonal skills through networking, public speaking, and heavy interaction with those in high positions within the business.
What advice would you give to someone considering a degree apprenticeship?
If you are thinking about applying for a degree apprenticeship, seek out opportunities to develop your soft skills since these are what will differentiate you from other applicants. These can be found in everything from clubs, hobbies and part-time jobs. Additionally, showing an interest in the industry that you are applying for will again differentiate you from other applicants.
To find out more about Engineering Degree Apprenticeships at UCW, click here! To learn more about all of the degree apprenticeships offered at UCW, click here!
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