Graduating degree apprenticeship student wins prestigious Rex Procter prize

We caught up with Will to find out more about his experience of studying a degree apprenticeship at Leeds Beckett University.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what attracted you to studying a degree apprenticeship?

I completed the construction and built environment 2-year apprenticeship course at college whilst being employed by a subcontractor. At the time there were no opportunities for my employer to enrol me onto a degree apprenticeship, but I knew I wanted to develop my career within the construction industry whilst being employed. Therefore I started looking for employers who were recruiting for degree apprenticeships and saw that Equans Regeneration Limited had a vacancy. My application was successful and five-years on I have just finished my degree apprenticeship at Leeds Beckett whilst being employed by Equans.

How did you manage your work commitments and studying for your degree apprenticeship?

A typical working week for a degree apprentice involves 4 days at work and 1 day at university. This is a big commitment and was difficult to manage at times, but I learnt how to manage my time effectively. I would complete my university work on weekday nights and Sundays, leaving Friday and Saturdays for leisure! Whilst this may seem a heavy workload to a non-apprentice, I would not have changed anything as it has maximised my career potential by providing work experience and education concurrently. 

What support have you had from your employer and the university?

Throughout my degree apprenticeship I have had regular meetings with my employer and Leeds Beckett University, which were always supportive and aimed towards my best interests. I knew that if I ever needed any additional support the university was there for me and whenever a matter did arise, it was resolved quickly. 

What has been your favourite thing about your time studying at Leeds Beckett?

I spent one-day a week at Leeds Beckett. I saw this as a break from my workplace and I really enjoyed spending time with the people I met on the course. We were all of a similar age and I have made some great friendships throughout my studies. The teaching on the course was interactive and the tutors made our lessons informative and enjoyable. There isn’t a standout favourite moment for me, I enjoyed so many aspects of my time at Leeds Beckett.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying a degree apprenticeship?

Enrol, do not quit, and enjoy it! Over my 5 years at LBU my class size reduced year-on-year and while I thought about quitting, I never did. Now I get to enjoy my working life in a far better progressed position than I would have been had I not completed by degree apprenticeship. They provide you with the opportunity to progress in your career quicker than any other route, and who would not want 5 years of work experience and a degree at the end of it! 

What’s next for you?

Whilst I have completed my Quantity Surveying degree with LBU, my chartered degree apprenticeship is still ongoing as I want to achieve my Royal Institution of Charted Surveyors (RICS) accreditation. I am still working at Equans, and I look forward to continuing my career journey with them.

Interested in employing a degree apprenticeship? Visit our website or contact our Degree Apprenticeship Team to find out more.