During National Apprenticeship Week, four students reveal how a degree apprenticeship has lifted their confidence and made them ready for work
Students studying for degree apprenticeships in Digital Design, Nursing, and Environmental Health at Middlesex University have spoken of how the courses have transformed their self-belief and career prospects during National Apprenticeship Week 10 to 16 February.
Alice Himfen, is studying for a degree apprenticeship in BA Digital Design which has seen her expand her responsibilities and line manage junior team members in her graphic design role at her company, Exertis.
Having worked in graphic design for 20 years and never been to university, Alice’s employer recommended the degree apprenticeship at Middlesex University to learn valuable up-to-date digital skills which are in demand by employers.
Alice, from Hutton in Essex, has online classes alongside coursework and assignments which complement her day-to-day role. She is learning how to put together detailed design briefs from initial concept stage to final campaigns, pitch for business, manage multiple tasks, deadlines and clients, develop knowledge of digital design tools and methods, measure the success of campaigns, and manage junior team members.
She said: “It has been valuable to update my digital skills, such as learning how to use artificial intelligence (AI) in my role. The digital world is developing so quickly and it will advance my career to be able to design larger campaigns with a greater focus on digital content.
“If you get an opportunity to do a degree apprenticeship, seize it. I have already experienced countless benefits and insights which will be invaluable to my future. Onwards and upwards – I am loving this journey!”
Brittany Gage is studying for a Nursing Associate apprenticeship degree at Middlesex University after studying for an NVQ qualification in childcare and working as a healthcare assistant in a hospital in her hometown of Norwich.
After she relocated to Hertfordshire, she applied for a nursery nurse role at Barnet Hospital where they offered her the apprenticeship degree at Middlesex University.
The two-year course, approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, involves being based on a ward at Barnet Hospital, which is part of the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, while also doing work placements at other hospitals in North London and attending lectures and training at Middlesex University’s state-of-the-art simulated hospital at West Stand in the StoneX Stadium. Brittany has enjoyed placements in adult mental health, community nursing, care of the elderly, and paediatrics.
Brittany, who is 29 and lives in Hertfordshire, said: “The training at West Stand is fantastic as it is like a real hospital. I really look forward to my university days because it is such a good learning environment with amazing facilities.”
She said the course is an excellent preparation for a nursing career. Brittany said: “Apprenticeship degrees are an amazing opportunity for people who think a certain career might be out of reach for them, and also a way to enhance skills in your current role. I am a visual learner and learning with hands-on placements and combining university with on-the-job training has been perfect for me.
“It is also a win-win situation; you study while working and earning a salary. I can focus on my studying and assignments without having to worry about how I will pay my bills.”
Brittany’s passion is child health and she eventually wants to become a registered paediatric nurse.
She added: “This course has changed my life and opened so many doors and opportunities for me. It has led to many wonderful and memorable experiences, both practically and theoretically. I love paediatrics and the apprenticeship course has given me the opportunity to train for my dream career.”
Despina Kalozoes is also on the Nursing Associate degree apprenticeship course, based at North Middlesex Hospital where she worked as a healthcare assistant.
Despina, who is 23, is originally from Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, and now lives in Edmonton in North London. She said: “The degree apprenticeship was advertised at an Open Day at my hospital; I wanted to progress my career and it sounded interesting so I applied.”
Like Brittany, Despina said she has done a range of placements in clinical settings including adult wards, paediatrics, adult mental health, patients with learning disabilities, and care of the elderly. Despina is based on a Care of the Elderly Ward and recently had a placement in paediatrics at the Royal Free Hospital.
She said: “As well as the placements, there are theory and skills sessions at the fantastic simulation facilities at West Stand. You get a taste of different kinds of medical disciplines and ward settings, and it’s a brilliant opportunity to develop and advance your career. At the end of the course, you receive Nursing and Midwifery Council registration and it is a great route into nursing.
“Other people on my course are at different stages of their lives, some younger, some older with caring responsibilities; it is so beneficial for them to have financial security while studying. Without degree apprenticeships, I think fewer people would go into nursing which is already experiencing shortages in the NHS.”
Paediatric nursing is a potential field that Despina would like to explore in future following her placement on a children’s ward at the Royal Free Hospital.
She added: “This was a fantastic step for me in terms of career progression. It has been a really positive experience and I am a different person now with so much confidence in my abilities and future career ambitions.”
Arina Chilo, from St Neots near Cambridge, is studying for a BSc Environmental Health degree apprenticeship at Middlesex University and applied for the course while she was working at Cambridge City Council.
Arina has an MSc in Sports and Exercise Nutrition and has worked as a sports and exercise therapist, although she was attracted to the role of Environmental Health Officer.
“Environmental Health offers opportunities to specialise in different areas, whether that is research or a more practical role; it also combined my passion for science with doing something that can help people,” said Arina.
Arina, who is 27, is based in the commercial and licensing team, mainly specialising in food safety. She has also shadowed teams dealing with noise pollution, industrial pollution, housing and rental accommodation.
At Middlesex University, her course has covered a range of modules including food safety and inspection, housing conditions, pollution control, health and safety, and legislative processes.
Arina said: “The lessons at Middlesex complement my day-to-day role really well. Everything I learn in the classroom I can apply at work, which is one of the benefits of doing a degree apprenticeship.”
Arina’s goal is to become a fully qualified Environmental Health officer.
“This course has made me really well-placed in a competitive job market,” she said. “I have learned so much while the apprenticeship has given me practical experience which is so important when applying for roles.”
Professor Darryll Bravenboer, Director of Apprenticeships and Professor of Higher Education and Skills at Middlesex University, said: “Middlesex University has an excellent track record in delivering degree apprenticeships. Our courses give students the confidence, knowledge and skills to achieve rewarding careers in the NHS, policing, environmental health, teaching, social work, and digital design, while helping employers develop a future-ready workforce.”