Quality degree apprentice Review

My role is in quality, which means that it can be very varied day to day. I work to provide the company with assurance that the necessary quality standards are met in order to then comply with regulations and legislation. I help to conduct regular audits to ensure that procedures are being followed correctly to ensure safety of the employees and wider community, and also work to ensure that those procedures are appropriate and fit for purpose.

I have developed on pre-existing skills such as building interpersonal relationships. This is important in my job as its essential to communicate with a wide range of people from engineers to scientists, as well as those in higher authority. I have developed a set of new skills such as quality planning more specific to my role, as well as skills in design programs and electrical studies through the degree side.

I enjoy the programme very much. It's a great opportunity to be able to work towards a degree qualification and broadening my theoretical knowledge whilst also working a full time role and adding value to the company, gaining experience all of the time. The two aspects really compliment each other. It involves a great deal of time management and work, but is definitely worth it.

The quality pathway in which I'm enrolled was brand new in the year that I started, so there have been elements which have had to be altered along the way which has in some cases been slightly inconvenient. However, the employers are very understanding and allow a lot of flexibility in order to achieve my best potential both at work and in studies/exams.

My employer is extremely supportive of the degree programme. I have been given a large amount of opportunities to develop my knowledge, interact with a lot of different departments and employees and really get to know the business. The employer understands the importance of performing in exams as well as within my job role, and I am allowed to take the time independently to ensure that my academic work is to a high standard.

The training provider does ensure that all content is covered before exams/assignments are undertaken. They are available most of the time meaning that I can arrange further support if it was required. The only issue has been with communication i.e. often the employer and training provider don't communicate effectively, or there has been some cases where information hasn't then been communicated to the students.

The knowledge gained through theoretical content taught by the training provider has supported me within my job role in a lot of instances. My personal role is less technical, however when there has been instances where mathematical/engineering-based knowledge has been required, I have had that foundation of knowledge to support me.

There are some extra curricular activities to get involved with both through the company and through the training provider. I personally participated in a skydive for charity through the training provider which was a great experience. Similar opportunities are often communicated through the appropriate information streams so that students are aware of what is available.

Yes

The company is extremely supportive in many ways. for example, they are very understanding of the workload involved with the degree apprenticeship, and allow time and resources to support students as much as possible. They are also very open to personal development opportunities and open to challenge - particularly from younger people coming into the company.

The company is a very rewarding one to work for. The high risk implications of some of the projects you would be involved with gives you a real sense of purpose which drives you to work to the best of your ability. the degree opportunity is fantastic and you really do gain a wealth of experience through working alongside learning.