Apprenticeship Opportunities for College Students Taken Rapidly
Notre Dame is witnessing an increasing number of students progressing to higher and degree level apprenticeships, providing a unique opportunity to combine practical experience with academic study. This model, known as degree apprenticeships, is particularly popular in the United Kingdom, where students balance work and study to earn a bachelor's degree or higher qualifications.
Elijah Gatewood-Skeete, one of the college's students, has been offered a Chartered Management degree apprenticeship with Morrisons. His journey to this achievement is noteworthy, having resat his Maths in Bristol and worked at Wren as a Kitchen Designer. Elijah was chosen from thousands of applicants, demonstrating his dedication and potential.
In addition to his offer from Morrisons, Elijah was also offered a place on a competitive degree apprenticeship with Rolls Royce. He impressed his potential employers during a Zoom interview, presenting his A-level Product Design portfolio. Elijah will start his apprenticeship on the 9th of September.
Other students have also secured impressive apprenticeship offers. One student has been offered a Quantity Surveying degree apprenticeship with RBA (Richard Boothroyd & Associates Ltd), while another has been offered a Digital and Technology Solutions degree apprenticeship with FDM. Another student will be working as a Regeneration Officer degree apprentice with Leeds City Council.
The benefits of degree apprenticeships are numerous. Students "earn while they learn," receiving a salary or stipend during their studies, thereby reducing or eliminating student debt. They also gain practical, industry-specific skills and knowledge through workplace training that complements academic learning. Upon completion, apprentices receive a recognized university degree or equivalent qualification, increasing their employability and career mobility.
Apprenticeships involve 80% employment, 20% study, and further work during evenings and weekends. This structure ensures that apprentices gain a balanced education, combining theory and practice. The mentorship and networking opportunities provided by experienced professionals and industry contacts are also invaluable for future opportunities.
Examples of successful apprenticeship placements can be found in both Germany and the UK. In Germany, degree apprenticeships offer roles in business administration, transport, and digitalization, preparing students for roles driving digital transformation in industries. In the UK, degree apprenticeships cover sectors like aerospace, engineering, digital technology, construction, health sciences, and education.
Apprenticeships offer a debt-free alternative to university for students who are certain of their career path. Notre Dame's students are supported in their pursuit of apprenticeships by teachers and the college Careers Department, ensuring they have the best chance at securing these valuable opportunities.
[1] Apprenticeships: the facts [Online]. Available: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apprenticeships-the-facts/apprenticeships-the-facts
[2] Degree apprenticeships: a guide for employers [Online]. Available: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/degree-apprenticeships-a-guide-for-employers
[3] Degree apprenticeships: a guide for apprentices [Online]. Available: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/degree-apprenticeships-a-guide-for-apprentices
[4] Apprenticeships in the United States [Online]. Available: https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2019/data-on-the-economy/apprenticeships-in-the-united-states.htm
[5] What are degree apprenticeships? [Online]. Available: https://www.gov.uk/topic/further-education-skills/degree-apprenticeships
- Elijah Gatewood-Skeete, a student at Notre Dame, is demonstrating the benefits of education-and-self-development and career-development by securing two degree apprenticeship offers from Morrisons and Rolls Royce, showcasing the potential of job-search and skills-training opportunities in degree apprenticeship programs.
- Students at Notre Dame are leveraging the college Careers Department's support for education-and-self-development and career-development, as shown by examples such as Elijah Gatewood-Skeete, who will be starting his degree apprenticeship with Morrisons on the 9th of September, which encompasses job-search, skills-training, and the combination of practical experience with academic study (degree apprenticeships).
