Digital Degree Apprentice Review

I am and have been working in a diverse, apprenticeship-based role within Cheshire East ICT Services. Within my apprenticeship I have worked across a wider variety of teams within the ICT service: ICT Service Desk, Technical Desktop, Networks, Schools Support, and more recently within the operation security team. On a day-to-day basis, this involves communicating within the team, completing tasks both independently and with others, developing technical, professional, and interpersonal skills to ensure that you develop as a working professional. Further to this, there is/was also involvement in working within and running varied projects to gain further responsibility and develop project management skills.

The digital technology solutions (Cyber Security Specification) programme of work was both well organised and structured from the start of joining the programme, in September of 2017. This has enabled me to understand how the university works within my first year, develop the skills required, and then implement those skills within the same structure in the final years, to gain a high degree classification. This also enabled me to rely on the structured working, during the change in working locations due to Covid19.

My employer is and was very supportive, more supportive than most other employers were within the apprenticeship. I had a specific apprenticeship mentor within work to direct any queries, deliver some training and recommendations from their own personal "stint" at university, and be the "battering ram" whenever it came to any issues relating to the split between work and university. The employer as a whole was supportive, and, specifically during the final hand-in periods, there was a specific focus on ensuring that adequate time and support was offered to enable myself to submit quality work.

Within Manchester Metropolitan University, I was assigned a specific "skills coach" who worked as a liaison between me, my employer, and the university. They were very helpful, highlighted further support which I had access to, and provided support on workloads, any potential issues, and if there were any issues within work. This was useful and crucial in helping me complete my degree.

I am a much more "well-rounded" and confident employee.
I am now an expert in pestering, which more professionally means that I have a high level of confidence in both my own ability, self-worth within work, and believe that I deserve people's time as much as a "non-apprentice". This was an issue previously as I would wait for people's attention, instead of pushing for action.
I have developed my critical thinking skills to a high level and have effectively implemented this within my work. This has enabled me to identify any areas which could require change and given me the confidence to say ".. that doesn't seem right."
My academic writing, competency, and professionalism is now well developed, in a way which it wouldn't have been, without the support/training from MMU.

Yes

It's a public sector organization, and as such is a different experience from that of a private company. There is care given to ensure an apprentice develops and that they are safeguarded/given help around understanding a professional environment.
There are multiple "acting up" options given, which enable employees to complete more senior roles and gain experience.
It's just a nice place to work to be quite frank.