It’s National Apprenticeship Week! To celebrate, we thought we’d let you hear from our very own Degree Apprentice – take it away, Hannah!
Hi there! I’m Hannah, the Education Liaison Officer here at Digital Innovators. Alongside my role, I am also completing a Degree Apprenticeship in Project Management, and I have just started my final year of this.
What has your journey looked like so far?
I always knew that I wanted to go straight into work after completing my GCSEs and A-Levels. Whilst I knew I didn’t want to go down a perhaps more traditional route of University, I did like the idea of still being able to learn and obtain a Degree qualification, so I started to look into the possibility of a Degree Apprenticeship.
After my time at Sixth Form, I went straight into work and then was lucky enough to move into a position at Digital Innovators. A few months after starting this, I had the opportunity to progress into my Degree Apprenticeship in Project Management. My colleagues supported me in getting ready for this, and it means that I am able to study towards a Degree alongside working and gaining real-life, practical experience.
What have your personal highlights been as an apprentices – and have you had any challenges?
I love that my apprenticeship has enabled me to develop professionally and personally, and that I am able to see how much my career has progressed in just a few years! Not only have I enjoyed learning technical skills to improve my work, but I have also been able to develop skills such as communication, team work, confidence, problem solving etc.
I really enjoy the variety that my apprenticeship gives me, I’ve had some great new experiences like: attending events, going to University to study, meeting new people, being nominated for awards, and many more!
Of course, doing a full-time job and studying for a degree isn’t easy; it’s so important to stay organised and manage your time effectively. I do have regular lectures, reading and research, and coursework assignments to keep on top of, but the outcomes and whole experience is so rewarding.
What do you personally hope to achieve in your position on the IfATE Apprentice Panel?
I have recently started my role as Apprentice Panel Member with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE). The panel is made up of apprentices from all different sectors, and works with IfATE to create a better apprentice experience for current and future apprentices.
I personally wanted to join the panel to not only improve apprenticeships as a route into employment, but also to raise awareness and build a positive image of what it’s like to be an apprentice and to work with apprentices. It’s great meeting other like-minded apprentices, and hearing their inspiring stories. I have a passion for helping people, and want to share my experience to show that going to University full-time isn’t the only route, and if you feel it isn’t right for you, there are different options out there that can help you into a successful career!
What advice would you give to someone looking to get an apprenticeship?
I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship if you are eager to carry on learning but also want to get a job, it’s a great way to develop and get some support as you start working a job too. I know that some apprenticeships can be quite competitive, but it’s definitely worth it! My advice would be to have a look what’s out there, and build some connections – keep a look out for apprenticeship events that can help you learn more!
There are so many different courses across various levels, and you don’t have to just be at the start of your career to do an apprenticeship qualification. My advice for those who may be starting an apprenticeship, is to make sure you stay organised so you can manage your workload and studies, and to make use of your employer and training provider for support and to aid your learning and development.
Thanks, Hannah!
If you’re inspired by her words and want to learn more about how you can get involved with what we do at Digital Innovators, reach out by sending an email over to info@digitalinnovators.co.uk to start a conversation!
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