By Ross Melville, Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship
07/02/2022
Ross is currently in his first year of the Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship. He is 22 years old and works for BAE Systems as a Data Analyst. In this post he tells us more about his experience as he completes his first term with MK:U.
What has been the highlight of your apprenticeship so far?
When all the new apprentices went to MK:U in person to complete a full week at the University. It was full of different experiences, people from all over the country, and it allowed us all to get a better feel while working instead of being at home all the time.
What were your first impressions?
I’ve been to university before, and I was expecting the same old criteria then long essay to be handed in. With the course I’m studying, they’re taking a business approach to the learning, giving us situations and assignments which, if completed in teams, will be related to the sort of tasks we’ll be doing at work. Overall, this is a much better way to learn – it keeps you motivated and engaged.
What are you hoping to get out of your apprenticeship?
Even though this course is mandatory for my apprenticeship at BAE Systems, it is still a fantastic way for me to learn new skills along the way. I am hoping to expand on my programming skills, which I am really looking forward to, along with teamworking and socialising with the other BAE Systems apprentices.
What would be your advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship with MK:U?
You’ll hear this all the time: “do it, it’s a good opportunity” or “best thing I’ve ever done”. This is true – those people are most likely not lying – however, learning is subjective, and people do it in different ways. This is why the course I’m doing takes all different types of learning, and turns it into an array of new, interesting and extremely fun learning styles. So, I’m going to say the same thing: do it, it’s a good opportunity. Just make sure you’re enjoying yourself and not forcing yourself to do something you don’t want to do.
What do you like to do when you’re not working or studying?
I like to visit my friends, catch up with them, and socialise away from the screen, in person. It’s a good way to relax and have a good time, whether this is listening to music, eating or going out – any way I can spend time with other people face-to-face.
