Isaac Saa - Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship
Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?
"Apprenticeships provide the opportunity to study towards a degree alongside working with an established company and to start my career journey early. At this point in my life I am ready to start working and tick off different milestones, however I think it is important to still gain my education, so an opportunity such as the one E.ON has given me is the perfect solution."
Why did you choose to study at NTU?
"NTU has a well-established background with apprenticeships – during my research I saw it was not only the Digital Technology course that NTU offered but also ones in marketing, business and other areas. The knowledge shown from the staff and the information I found on the website was a strong factor as to why I applied for this apprenticeship. I also like the city of Nottingham, so being able to move to the city and study here was exciting."
How do you believe this apprenticeship will affect both your current job role and future career?
"I think this apprenticeship will have a positive impact on my career in the future. Not only does it provide me with the qualifications needed to move forward in my career, it will improve both my technical knowledge as well as my ability to navigate the corporate environment. Soft skills such as how to interview well, how to network and how to manage work projects are all important skills that are hard to learn without a strong foundation."
It is a big commitment which should not be taken lightly, but it is also one I would whole heartedly recommend.
What do you think of the facilities available at NTU?
"The facilities at NTU are excellent. The sporting facilities provide me with the opportunity to play a variety of sports both competitively and socially. The library gives me access to an array of journals, books and papers that would otherwise cost me hundreds of pounds. Student services have also been helpful; knowing that they are available for help with mental health problems, financial issues or campus information is a big comfort."
What is your favourite thing about your apprenticeship?
"My favourite thing is not being tied down solely to studying whilst getting my degree. I love the flexibility of being able to work and earn whilst achieving an academic milestone in a way not many people are aware of."
What skills and experience have you gained as part of this apprenticeship? Has there been anything that you were not expecting?
"I had a full time IT job before starting my apprenticeship, so I had a good idea of what to expect when joining E.ON. What I didn’t expect was how much E.ON emphasises degree apprentices working together and meeting each other. There are multiple opportunities throughout the year where the company organises development days for its apprentices which helps to reinforce that not only that we are all learners, but also valued members of the company."
If you could describe your apprenticeship in 5 words, what would they be?
"Challenging, intense, motivational, thought-provoking, worthwhile."
What advice would you give to anyone considering a higher/degree apprenticeship?
"Do lots of research into the course available and take time to see what will be expected from you from both the company and the university. If you need to relocate – will you like the area? If the company is big/small, how will they support you in your studies and your work? It is a big commitment which should not be taken lightly, but it is also one I would whole heartedly recommend."
To learn more about our apprenticeship courses, please contact apprenticeships@ntu.ac.uk.