Making the Leap: From T-Level Placement to Degree Apprenticeship
To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we caught up with Joel Phillip, an Apprentice Design Engineer in Infrastructure Services, to discuss his journey into the industry and reflect on his experiences throughout his apprenticeship so far.
Why did you choose the apprenticeship route? Did you look at other options?
Since leaving school, I knew I wanted to pursue an apprenticeship, but I wasn’t entirely sure how to go about it or what to expect. I did consider university options, but the tuition fees and the lack of hands-on experience made me hesitant. I’ve always been drawn to apprenticeships because they offer the chance to gain practical experience while earning a wage. One thing I would advise anyone considering this route is that it’s a busy journey, balancing full-time work and study. When I left school, I studied a T-Level in Engineering and as part of this, in my first year, I completed a 4-week placement with United Living, followed by a 5-week placement in my second year. These experiences helped me build valuable contacts, and eventually, I applied for a degree apprenticeship with United Living in civil engineering, which led to where I am today.
What advice would you give to someone (or their teachers/parents) about how to find and apply for an apprenticeship?
My advice would be to apply early and put in your best effort. I believe my placements played a crucial role in me landing the degree apprenticeship role, so look for opportunities like that to gain experience and make connections. Don’t worry too much about your college exam results—they matter, but they don’t define your entire career. Focus on gaining practical experience through internships or work experience to strengthen your application.
What Level and what apprenticeship standard are you working towards?
I’m currently working towards a Level 4 Civil Engineering qualification for the first two years of my apprenticeship. After that, I’ll progress to Level 6 for the final 3-4 years, during which I’ll complete my bachelor’s degree. Depending on how things progress, I may also continue to Level 7 for a master’s degree.
How is your apprenticeship training delivered to you by your training provider?
I work four days a week in the office, and one day is dedicated to my studies. Typically, training days are spent on campus, but for the first two years, I do my lessons online from home. This setup provides a good balance between gaining practical experience in the office and focusing on my studies.
How have you developed and progressed in your role since starting your programme?
Before I joined the apprenticeship, I thought I had a decent amount of knowledge, but I quickly realised there’s a significant difference between the knowledge of someone with a higher level qualification and someone without one. That said, being in the office every day has allowed me to pick up essential skills and knowledge that you just can’t get from books. While the beginning was tough, I’ve made steady progress by asking questions, working closely with my colleagues, and learning on the job. It’s a challenging but rewarding experience.
Can you describe your typical day in work?
My day usually begins with checking emails for job updates or requests. From there, I work on a range of tasks, which can include creating site establishment drawings or working on calculations. The work is varied and busy, but I’m encouraged to take breaks and chat with others throughout the day.
Do you find your apprenticeship experience supportive? Who supports you, and how?
Yes, I’ve received a lot of support during my apprenticeship. Although the experience can be challenging, especially with the need to apply yourself and balance everything, the team has always been there for me. While I’m responsible for much of my learning, I know I can rely on my colleagues and mentors for guidance whenever I need it. There’s always someone to answer my questions or offer advice, which has been invaluable throughout my journey.
What’s next for you once you have completed your apprenticeship?
Once I finish my apprenticeship and complete my Level 6 qualification, I hope to stay with United Living. By that point, I’ll have both my degree and several years of experience under my belt, which will make me a competitive asset in the industry. The apprenticeship has opened many opportunities, and I’m excited to see where it takes me.
Interested in learning more? We offer a variety of Early Careers programmes across a wealth of roles.