Degree Apprentice Review

Within this program, we are placed into rotations, which change every 6 months meaning we get exposed to a full range of skills and areas of the business. Currently, I am working on Data Analytics and producing reports for managers which form part of business decisions. On a day to day basis, I communicate with most of the team I work within and have some contact with other people within the company, I don't have any communication with external contractors or providers.

Whilst with SSE, I have learnt a range of skills, we underwent 2 weeks of training which provided me with the basis needed to succeed, including communication and presentation training, which has been especially beneficial with the university element of the program, as one of our assessments was a presentation. I have also had specific training with regards to specific systems and processes in place within the company, to allow me to complete my job in an efficient and to ensure I comply with the policies SSE has.

At first, the program and the company as a whole seemed daunting but I very quickly settled in and feel perfectly comfortable. SSE exceeded my expectations in every respect, the company is focused on morale and making sure everyone feels welcome and almost apart of a family. From the first day, SSE has always made me feel welcome and I feel at home working for them. The university side teaches us a wide range of topics which support the work we are doing, allowing us to learn something and see it working in industry, which is very beneficial.

Even as a Degree Apprentice, I have access to the full package of benefits that any staff member at SSE enjoys, including discounts and rewards. My manager often encourages me and gives me pointers to improve, making the feedback I receive beneficial and allows me to develop my skills. We also have performance reviews with our rotation manager and also one with our line manager, these create a lot of opportunity for successes to be highlighted and any corrections needed made.

The program is structured in the form of rotations of 6 months each, meaning we get exposed to a wide range of business areas. When first joining, we underwent 2 weeks of training which was useful and a good foundation to join out first rotations. Everyone has a personal mentor who they can talk to whenever and about whatever, we met these during the second training week. The hierarchy of our course is clearly set out, with key points of contact for any issues or queries. The time set aside for university work can at times be difficult, especially when both work and university deadlines are approaching.

The training provider for this course currently is the University of Chichester. They have given us an academic mentor that we can talk to regarding any concerns we have, whether it be about a piece of coursework or struggling to keep up with the pace of the course. There is always extra support available either directly from the module tutor or outside of the course, with extra resources available in the library as well as an extensive online collection of resources.

Within SSE, I have a lot of support available to me, as a first point of contact, my line manager is readily available for any issues I have. I also have a rotation manager to help me with any issues within that rotation that i may be having. My mentor is also always available to me for any concerns I want to talk about which is reassuring knowing there is always someone available to talk to. The attitude of everyone is incredibly positive and helpful towards supporting me and my development through the program.

Currently, I still live at home with my family, I do make a contribution towards rent as I am earning in addition to my travel costs to and from work and university. My work location is easy to get to my train so travel isn't a difficult problem for me. However, the salary I am given by SSE more than covers this and is, in my eyes, incredibly generous for an entry level employee. In addition to my salary, SSE gives me the full benefits package that any permanent staff member enjoys including discounts and rewards, making my salary stretch a bit further, which is a good advantage.

I attended multiple Christmas meals with my colleagues, both from my rotation team and with the other Degree Apprentices on this program. SSE also has an initiative called 'be the difference' which encourages staff to take a day a year to go and do something to help the community, in the past colleagues have helped RSPCA rescue centres and helped with memorial walks. Whilst still at work, I also have opportunities, there is an on-site gym with classes as well as other social opportunities. Within the company, we have also had tours of other sites, which offers us a better view of what the company does. Because of combining work and university, it makes it challenging to join any of the clubs and societies offered by the university because we are also at work full-time.

Yes

The experience I have had and the knowledge I have gained is absolutely an advantage over the traditional route of university. SSE as a company has made my time with them enjoyable and valuable. I enjoy coming into work every day and I enjoy my job, so I would totally recommend SSE as an employer and especially as the choice for a Degree Apprenticeship.

The application process can seem long but it is thorough to ensure everyone accepted has the best chance of succeeding with the company and with the university work. There is a phone interview followed by an assessment day comprising of a group task, a 'traditional' job interview as well as some other tasks I was asked to pre-prepare. If you're successful, SSE will notify you not long after all of the assessment days and a contract will be sent in the post. The opportunities offered by SSE have been amazing and I am almost certain no other local employer would be able to offer the same range and depth of training and development. I underwent 2 full weeks of training, fully inducting me to the company and to the course. If I was considering applying now, the only thing I would tell myself would be to just go ahead and do it.