When I left school, I worked in my local council’s environmental health department admin team over the summer before completing my A-Levels. I got a job as an estate agent but sadly the office I worked for closed during the financial crisis of 2008. I found myself suddenly out of work until I spotted an advert for maternity cover in the support team in Environmental Health at Mid Devon District Council.

I loved working as a Business Support Officer on the front line of the service taking calls, helping the public with such a wide range of interesting enquiries, from swarming bees to smoky bonfires; pub kitchen complaints to mouldy houses; and working to support the officers across all the environmental health disciplines in their roles. As I had a background in housing, I concentrated on support for the EH officers working in Private Sector Housing. It was really satisfying to be part of the team that made a difference for people that live in poor housing or needed an adaptation so they can safely access their homes. The knowledge and enthusiasm of the EH officers was infectious.

After having my children, I completed the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) training, became a member of the CIEH and started becoming more involved in casework. My hard work paid off and I was promoted to Private Sector Housing (PSH) officer. However, I still wasn’t a qualified Environmental Health Practitioner and was eager to learn more. Then I spotted an advert in Environmental Health News (EHN) for the apprenticeship degree and found out my employer was happy to support me on the course.

I am now in my second year of study and love how much more confident I am at doing my job already. I work four days a week and attend lectures once a week at the University Centre in Weston, or sometimes I join the lectures online. I keep in touch with my fellow students during the week and we’re always on a WhatsApp chat to run ideas past each other. The flexibility is great having the option to study from home, and my manager is so supportive.

It has been a challenge learning to be a student again; getting to grips with homework and fitting in time to research and write assignments, but I am fortunate enough to have a supportive husband and family around me. I have also found that my two children have benefitted from seeing mum study; we sit down together to do our homework!

In 2018 I decided I wanted to complete a Digital and Technology Solutions BSc (Hons) Degree Apprenticeship, to further my development and provide me with a valuable next step in my career.

I had already completed a Level 3 apprenticeship, and was working as a Software Developer at NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (NHS SCWCSU). My employer was really supportive, and I started my apprenticeship working with them for the first two years, before moving to the UK Hydrographic Office.

The apprenticeship really supported me in my development, and gave me a lot of highlights. It is difficult to give one overall highlight, so I’ll give two.

Firstly, the people. It was interesting meeting lots of people from varied backgrounds and ages that had decided that this was the rout for them, and I’ve made some lasting friendships from the apprenticeship.

Secondly, the opportunity to play with different technologies to what I’d use day-to-day in work. The programming assignments really gave me latitude to experiment in a way I otherwise wouldn’t find time for.

I completed my apprenticeship in the summer, and now I’m a Software Engineer working for JustEatTakeaway.com, the parent entity of Just Eat and Takeaway.com, solving interesting authentication and authorization problems at scale.

If you’re considering an apprenticeship, then you should do it. It will be difficult at times, and stressful at times, trying to balance work and degree work, but it’s worth it in the end. For me, the sense of accomplishment alone was worth it, but the degree without any debt hanging over you is also very nice and opens up new doors for you.

Hugo Woodiwiss

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I was happily working in radio when I stumbled across the advert for an Environmental Health Apprentice, if I’m honest, I hadn’t even considered a career in the field. I did lots of research before I applied for the position and knew I would absolutely love it! I work in the Environmental Protection Team at North Devon Council, while I study, part-time at UCW. The course takes 4 years, studying one day a week and working the rest, and I find that balance is just right!

My role within the council involves dealing with Environmental issues, such as fly-tipping, littering, abandoned vehicles, dog control, stray dogs, and much more. I am out daily in North Devon and get to appreciate the beauty of where I live, alongside educating people to keep it that way! Education and awareness are a big part of my role, and mostly, the public receives this well. No two days are the same, and I love the variety.

Studying alongside the job can be hard work, you must be prepared to commit some spare time, but once you find the balance that fits your life, it becomes manageable. The apprentice opportunity is a pathway to a promising new career, studying as an older student sets a great example to my children, that it’s never too late to pursue a goal. Many people associate apprenticeships with people of school or college leaving age, but they are available for everyone. I can earn as I learn and have the support of my colleagues to help with anything I need.

If you’ve ever considered taking the apprenticeship route, I would highly recommend it. The skills you gain while working, complement the learning criteria, and by the time you graduate, you will have years of experience in the field, which will help you to hit the ground running. I haven’t looked back, and I’m so pleased I applied when I did!