Case studies

Andrew, a Quality Specialist with an international manufacturing company, undertook a Degree Apprenticeship in Management and Leadership. We sat down for a chat with him.

What led you to take this route to a degree?

I decided to undertake this apprenticeship as it provides a university education experience that is complimentary to my career. It focuses on academic study that is actually relevant and applicable to the learner’s day job. By having a qualification from Coventry University I also strongly believe that the quality of my future career prospects will be greatly improved”.

And have your expectations been met?

Yes, absolutely – the course content and delivery has been exceptional. I have been able to study how various academic concepts have been applied in other industries outside of my own, allowing me to bring some different best practices and ways of thinking into my day to day work. I have also developed my critical analysis techniques and learned important time management skills through balancing full time work with study.”

How do you think your apprenticeship has benefitted your employer?

Throughout the process my knowledge and understanding of the wider business has grown significantly, enabling me to add more value to my current role. More specifically during my final business project, and studies into customer quality, I led the creation and distribution of a customer satisfaction survey. This new tool has captured tangible feedback from a vast number of our key customer accounts, and will be used to tactically improve the service that we offer them – potentially leading to increased retention rates and market share”.

Roisin, a Sourcing Fulfilment Specialist, undertook a four-year Degree Apprenticeship programme leading to a BA (Hons) degree in Management and Leadership. Here's what she had to say about her experience.

It was an amazing opportunity to get work experience while learning. I could apply everything I learned to ‘real-life’ situations. Although it was hard work combining study with a full-time job, Roisin feels the benefits far outweighed any difficulties.

It helped me with my prioritisation skills, and learning how to manage people and completing business projects has really helped me in my career; I would not be as confident or competent today without this degree. It is not just an academic course, but a life development course too.

The support we received was outstanding. We got quick responses from our tutor with detailed suggestions and improvements, and she really made us apply ourselves. It was amazing to see how much we all improved academically."

Roisin sees the Apprenticeship programme as a win-win for both the her and her employer. She said,

The apprentices on the degree are more motivated in day jobs because of the great opportunity, and because we are treated well, we are willing to work harder and give more back to the company in return for the great training.“

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