Degree apprenticeships are an exciting new way to combine academic study with work-related, practical experience which is crucial for employers.

One of the degree apprenticeships that we offer at University Centre Weston (UCW) is the BSc (Hons) Degree in Digital and Technology Solutions. This has been developed with UWE Bristol, and delivers four of the pathways which have been developed for the Digital and Technology Solutions Degree including cyber security, software engineer, business analyst and data analyst.

To get the low down on this course, and how the apprenticeships are helping our students, we spoke with two of our apprentices…

Dave Rose, who studies the Digital and Technology Solutions degree-level apprenticeship at UCW, said: “With the degree apprenticeship I was given the opportunity to have one day out of work a week, while my pay and benefits stayed the same for my job that I had already been in for quite a while.

“This has given me a great chance to upskill and as long as I put the work in I can walk away with a full honours degree all with no student loan or debt. I think that is an absolutely incredible deal, it’s almost ridiculous and anyone who can should jump at that opportunity!”

Tommy Beaton, UCW degree apprentice, said: “My course covers a large part of IT and allows me to learn a lot of the skills required to do my job.”

There is a stigma around apprenticeships that apprentices don’t get stuck in with real life tasks, however this is not the case. Tommy said: “I am working for the College and I’m currently helping to develop online courses for distance learners. I am also building a coaching and mentoring course for our online platform, 'TIDE'.

“I've always wanted to be in a working environment as I find that's when I learn best, so to be able to work on real projects allows me to be creative and learn a lot too. It's an excellent opportunity and not one I was willing to turn down.

"This apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to develop my team working skills, instructional design and website development.”

It has become an increasingly popular choice to choose an apprenticeship over a degree in recent years with apprenticeship participation at a record high.

Interested?

You can find out more about becoming a degree apprentice over on the University Centre Weston website.

Degree apprenticeships are increasingly used to upskill existing employees using this industry approach.If you’d like more information about how degree apprenticeships can support your business please contact our Training Solutions team on 01934 411 594.

Eight new apprentices have started Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) apprenticeships through Somax at Weston College with a company in Swindon.

Barnes Coaches have taken on eight new apprentices, who will learn how to drive buses and coaches and gain their licences, along with valuable experience in the industry thanks to Somax’s driver training apprenticeships. 

The company, which is the largest and most modern operator in the area, currently have 40 vehicles and specialise in coach hire, holidays and day trips. They have previously employed apprentices in other areas of the business, but these will be their first driver apprentices and they are keen to continue employing drivers through apprenticeships in the future.

Matt Barnes, Managing Director of Barnes Coaches, said: “I have been looking for ages for apprenticeships for drivers. When I found Somax at Weston offering PCV apprenticeships I organised a meeting. As soon as I met up with Simon [Werkshagen, Somax at Weston], I knew it was the right way forward for us!

“All our new apprentices are really keen to get started, and hopefully they’ll really hit the ground running when they pass their tests.”

Simon Werkshagen, Head of Operations and Business Development at Somax, said: “We’re thrilled to have built a new partnership with Barnes Coaches, and for our first PCV apprentices to have officially started.

“Apprenticeships can offer a lot for businesses who don’t want to go down the traditional driver training route and are a great way for employees to gain new qualifications and skills while getting valuable experience with a business.”
 

The UCAS deadline is fast approaching.

And if you haven’t decided which university you want to go, don’t worry.

We’ve got four top tips to help you choose.

1) Location

Location is a really important factor to consider when applying for university, as you want to live somewhere that makes you feel at home. Are you likely to miss your family? Or maybe you can’t wait to get away? Take this into consideration when thinking about university, it can help give you a much better experience.

2) Course

This is a crucial one, as it’s the main reason you’re going to university. Course content differs depending on which university you choose to go to, so make sure you do your research. This will help you find out if the modules matches your strengths, and increases the chances of choosing something that suits you and your future plans. You also need to think about entry requirements – for instance, whether your predicted grades good enough – and employment statistics, as graduates of some universities have a better track record of landing jobs than others.

3) Living costs

Being a student can be expensive, so make sure you research the cost of living in your chosen location. It’s worth looking into the cost of accommodation, whether it be halls of residence or house sharing, to make sure you can afford where you are going. Some universities will also offer a bursary (a grant that helps with the cost of fees, books, rent, etc.) and it’s definitely worth checking if you are entitled to one.

4) Environment

Environments differ amongst universities. Campus universities tend to have everything you need in one location (halls, lectures, shop, bar, restaurant, etc.), whereas others provide more independence and are spread across a city or town. Think which you would prefer, and factor travel arrangements into your thought process.

If you need any support with your UCAS application, please contact Hamish Gilpin on hamish.gilpin@weston.ac.uk, or call on 01934 422742.