A star on the rise
When Justyna embarked on her Graduate Apprenticeship degree at Strathclyde whilst raising a young family and her job with Peak Scientific, she never imagined she would be crowned the first-ever Graduate Apprentice Rising Star at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards in 2018.
Winning this award has been the highlight of my apprenticeship so far.
Justyna works as part of a small engineering team at Peak. She has been involved in several projects since joining them in 2017.
Her studies have not only developed her personally but the wider Peak organisation also benefits from her studying innovations and technology that she brings back in-house to share with colleagues resulting in the whole business continuing to learn.
Degree, development and experience in parallel
One of the most beneficial aspects of the Graduate Apprenticeship degree is the opportunity to gain a degree qualification, achieve credits for work-based activities as well as the opportunity to develop towards Professional Accreditation all at the same time
Strathclyde's Graduate Apprenticeship Engineering: Design and Manufacture (EDM) degree develops professionally qualified engineers eligible for IEng level membership. Graduate Apprentices acquire underpinning knowledge and understanding via a blended and online learning delivery mode with core engineering competencies (UK Standards for Professional Engineering Competence, IEng) being developed through an integrated work based learning curriculum.
The best thing is to get the work experience and academic qualifications together. I've enjoyed applying the theory I'm learning to real-life situations.
Skills demonstrated in the workplace
Work based learning is integrated into each Graduate Apprenticeship programme and directly contributes credits towards the award.
At Strathclyde, we employ dedicated Work Based Learning Advisors who are a key part of our Faculty teaching teams. These individuals bring a wealth of industry experience as well as a background in work based assessment.
Justyna and all Strathclyde Graduate Apprentices are supported throughout their studies by a Work Based Learning Advisor. They meet with the Advisor regularly to monitor their progress on the programme. They also support the development of their e-portfolio of evidence for use should they wish to apply for Professional Accreditation upon completion of their degree studies.
Designed in partnership with industry
The strong tripartite relationship between an employer, the learner, and the University is the key to the success of work based Graduate Apprenticeship degrees. Strathclyde is committed to delivering a high-quality experience for all employer partners, as well as learners.
Through engagement events and discussions, employers have shaped the Apprenticeship degrees we deliver at Strathclyde. This has resulted in programmes that do not only bring value and opportunity to the learner but also our employer partners.
The Graduate Apprenticeships allows you to grow your own engineer
Fraser Dunn, Engineering Design Manager, Peak Scientific
Developing essential skills for the future
Graduate Apprenticeships are an opportunity for organisations to not only broaden the talent pool by recruiting new staff into their business but also to develop existing employees. Employers can nominate individuals who are in a suitable job role, which will enable them to complete the work based learning elements of the programme.
Justyna's advice:
I would say to others to go for an apprenticeship. It's been hard work but worth it.
