Technology Degree Apprentice Review

Currently my role is no different from any university student until the summer placement. The summer placement is what will consist of working in the offices for a team and gaining experience. PwC host weekly sessions where senior TDAs or employees provide insight on the sectors of the company that apprentices can decide to work for in the summer.

I have developed new skills during my studies in university. This course offers something many other apprenticeships do not, and that is the opportunity to study in one of the best universities in the country. During only two semesters of study I have already picked up the tools necessary in developing robust, maintainable and efficient code in languages such as C and Java.

Many university students leave with debt and have small margins to pay for essentials. What makes being an apprentice a much better option is that we don't have a worry about debt, and can live comfortably with disposable income, all while learning and working towards something you enjoy and gaining that experience.

The programme is very well structured as apprentices all have many ways to contact for any support whether it be from the module leaders at university, the personal tutor you meet frequently with as well as a career coach. Meetings are held frequently to track progress as well as to keep TDA's informed and prepared.

PwC take supporting their employees a priority. There are many ways to contact for support as highlighted above, but other than that they have additional services such as free private healthcare as well as external support for individuals looking to buy property with a mortgage from the many connections PwC have, which few companies can compete with.

The university provides many tutorials with all the modules to talk to lecturers face to face allowing to ask any questions that may arise. Additionally, the lecturers are open to emails and teams conversations for other queries incase the content shared is not enough. University of Leeds provide an enjoyable way to complete a degree with an emphasis on preparing students for the future.

The training provided by the university provide the knowledge worthy of leading a project, rather than being a passenger to what senior colleagues say. Professionalism is a focus, with emphasis on ethics as well as careful planning and preparation of projects with the right tools, and communicating with the right people in a business setting.

The company have held a Ball for all TDA apprentices and I believe many activities are set to be prepared during the summer placement. There are also virtual coffee sessions where employees can have a conversation with randomly chosen employees in another sector of the company, allowing to learn and gain a better understanding of different sectors of work.

Yes

I would recommend it to a friend as I believe other than the top few universities in the country, which are incredibly difficult to be accepted to, University of Leeds is on par or better than any of university in the country. Not only that, but you can study at such university without student loans, and working for a company that offer you the chance to work during your degree as well as after.

I would advise applicants to research on the business for what they might ask in an interview, as well as to learn to answer questions that involve absorbing a lot of data in a short amount of time, and perform calculations on it for the exam. Unlike other apprenticeships, you must apply through UCAS.