Aimee
Former A Level Maths, Geography and Psychology student Aimee shares her experience undertaking a Level 6 Environmental Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship with Environment Agency (EA).
Previous school: Penrice Academy
Courses studied: A Levels in Maths, Geography and Psychology
Progression: Level 6 Environmental Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship with Environment Agency (EA).
What does your role as an apprentice involve?
I am a Environmental Practitioner Apprentice. The degree I am working towards is a BSc in Environmental Management. I get to rotate around different teams within the EA to gain experience in variety of different sections of the business. Over the duration of the apprenticeship, I will have had a variety of different job roles.
What made you choose the apprenticeship route?
I decided that attending university full time wasn’t for me, but I still wanted to further my education in the environmental sector, and with a degree apprenticeship I still get to experience some university life, but part-time whilst furthering my career in environmental management.
How did Callywith support and influence your decision to do an apprenticeship?
Held an informative session during tutor where we discussed other further education opportunities that weren't university. My geography teacher (Matt Andrews) also held a session for us where degree apprentice students at ARUP did a team's call with us and talked about their experience as apprentices, why they think it's a good route to follow, and answered any questions we had.
What is the best thing about an apprenticeship?
The ability to obtain a degree whilst working and earning (instead of going into debt) and gaining experience in my chosen sector. When I graduate, I will already have 5 years work experience with a huge, influential company in the environmental sector.
What are you hoping to do in the future?
Continue with my apprenticeship (graduation date is in 2028) and in the meantime choose and apply for a permanent role in an area of the business I love. I will most likely stay with the EA for a while after I graduate, as they have (so far) been a great company to work for, and I have had so many amazing development opportunities and I've made loads of great connections in the Environmental sector.
Do you have any tips or advice for students considering an apprenticeship?
If you are considering an apprenticeship, spend some time researching and exploring different industries and roles to find an apprenticeship within your chosen sector that aligns with your interests, and keep an eye out for apprenticeship job adverts going up! They are becoming more common and lot's more companies are starting to do them as it's a great way to bring young people into the workplace, gaining experience and education.