Degree Apprentice Review

The degree apprentice role at E.on involves moving from placement to placement throughout different business area. This gives apprentices the opportunity to gain experience in different areas and understand where their strengths lie. Within the placement you will be given tasks and the opportunity to gain responsibility within the team.

As an apprentice I have developed skills that have allowed me to become a contributing member in teams I have been joining. These include, communication and team working skills, analytical and data science, presentations, team leading and coaching, content creation, stakeholder management, project management, event planning and many others across placements.

The programme gives you autonomy in choosing what areas of the business you’d like to gain experience and development. I have enjoyed the chance to create my own path and explore areas that interest me. I have also enjoyed being able to gain a valuable degree and experience in a forward thinking organisation.

The structure of the programme depends highly on your ability to tailor your placements and also your ability to manage your time. The structure is fairly loose and there isn’t a defined route for degree apprentices to follow. Most will find ways of working that suit them and help them develop.

As a degree apprentice you have access to a wide support network including; the talent team, a mentor, a buddy, your like manager, your degree apprentice cohort, your placement team, inclusion and talent networks, and any wider network. This means you usually have somewhere to go if you have questions or need support

The support you receive varies depending on which institution you are getting your degree from. My experience has been slightly different as I joined during the covid 19 lockdown and so had to join during the transition to online study. This was a challenge but as the course has progressed I have become comfortable with the support available

If you are able to align your study modules with the placement you are entering, it can go a long way to applying the knowledge. I regularly use the theory and knowledge gained through my qualification within my placements. It gives you the wider understanding of business that you may not get within your team.

As apprentices we have regular community and development days where the cohort meet face to face in one place. You are also able to attend any networking events whilst within placements. Currently however, there aren’t any organised social or sports groups within the business that I am aware of.

Yes

It’s a forward-thinking, sustainable, business and a good place to work. There is opportunity to grow and gain new skills, many people try new jobs and careers without having to leave the business. I have been able to build a strong network and enjoy working at E.ON, I would recommend it to a friend.

If applying for a degree apprenticeship make sure you are willing to take on more responsibility for your own time and development. It’s a great opportunity and one that will give you an advantage in starting your career. Make sure that you take your time on your application and select the scheme that suits you best.