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Millie Jarvis – Degree Apprentice

What made you choose an apprenticeship over university?

MJ: I liked the idea of being able to learn while gaining the work experience and the knowledge a full-time role will provide me. Degree apprenticeships was the initial path I wished to take after A-Levels and I saw university as a second option as I believe university would have stumped my career. Degree apprenticeships aid you in the short term and the long term - you are paid to work, gain a degree and come out of the role with 3+ years’ experience which makes you more employable.

How would you describe your experience as an apprentice?

MJ: I have loved my experience so far, the growth and opportunities the role has provided me have been endless. Being part of the Junior Talent cohort has allowed me to expand my network meeting people who are undertaking similar roles and pathways nationally and globally in countries such as Germany and Finland. I have had opportunities to travel nationally and volunteer in social values events which have been enlightening. 

How do you think your career is/has been shaped by choosing an apprenticeship compared with university?

MJ: I believe that this was the best route I could have gone down. It has massively aided my career, I am already gaining work experience, opportunities, knowledge and expanding my network by meeting people globally and nationally. Being part of a team also allows you to pick up real life skills you use in the workplace which I would not have gained had I gone to university.

What skills has your apprenticeship equipped you with? 

MJ: The apprenticeship has equipped me with many skills, namely my presentation skills have improved as a result of having to present slide packs to employees/members who are higher up than me in the organisation and my communication skills have improved and I am now able to write concise and efficient emails.

Georgia Allen – Degree Apprentice

What made you choose an apprenticeship over university?

GA: For me going to University was never an option, looking at apprenticeships it offered me the chance to gain both experience and key skills to develop personally and professionally. The opportunity to work alongside some extremely knowledgeable individuals excited me as it meant I would not only expand my network but allow me to apply new learnings to University modules and assignments.

How would you describe your experience as an apprentice?

GA: As an apprentice I have the opportunity to learn every day with a great support network around me it allows for new challenges to be exciting rather than daunting therefore I am continuously learning new skills that will benefit me going forward in my future.

How do you think your career is/has been shaped by choosing an apprenticeship compared with university?

GA: I had the opportunity to complete my ITIL4 qualification in my first year with Fujitsu, this key knowledge I utilize every day. Ultimately, having the apprenticeship scheme it has provided me with the connections and support to drive my career goals into places I never thought possible!

Abdullah Ashraf – Degree Apprentice

What made you choose an apprenticeship over university?

AA: For me the fact that I could get practical experience as well as a degree at the same is what made an apprenticeship stand out to me.

How would you describe your experience as an apprentice?

AA: After my training period (3-4 months) when I first joined, I have been on real projects since which has given me experience with different customers and scenarios which has not only developed my technical skills but also personal. I have also been placed in a small development team with people who have years more experience which means I can learn from them, and they can guide me when needed. Everyone else outside of my development team (the byte team) has been amazing and are always happy to help which overall has helped make my experience as an apprentice amazing.

How do you think your career is/has been shaped by choosing an apprenticeship compared with university?

AA: At university the work you do is a lot more theory based so you don’t know what it is really like to work in the specific area you’re learning about whereas in an apprenticeship I can get hands on experience in different areas which has allowed to find what areas and technologies I am interested in. As a result, I can shape my career by gaining more experience in these areas by telling my line manager who will then help me to get work in this area.

What skills has your apprenticeship equipped you with?

AA: Organization - Time Management - Hard work ethic.