University News Last updated 12 February
To mark National Apprenticeship Week (10-17 February), a Birmingham City University (BCU) student has spoken about how his hands-on learning has given him valuable experience for his future career.
Cormac Wade is in the second year of his Broadcast and Media Systems Engineer Degree Apprenticeship and works at the BBC while studying.
His interview with the National Careers Service (NCS) formed part of a video series highlighting how apprenticeships can be an ideal first career step or a way to get new qualifications whilst working.
“Our apprenticeship is based on block learning in three-month blocks - one of them being at university, then one at work," said Cormac.
“We’re in offices across the country, always darting around to different experiences.
“If I had to pick a standout moment, it would be getting to do the election last year. That was fantastic. We were in Glasgow for a week before going out to different locations.
"Apart from the camera operator, we were the only engineers there - and we had to do everything, from arranging access to the venue to getting power and internet for broadcasting.
“It was my chance to show that I could do it on my own.”
Cormac’s interview was released on World Radio Day (13th February).
A spokesperson for NCS said an apprenticeship is "a great way to kickstart your career, make a change, or progress in your current role".
They added: "Our qualified careers advisors can be reached over the phone or via webchat to support you with your career, learning and training choices, no matter where you are in your career journey.
“Our website also has hundreds of career roles you can explore to learn more about how to get into them, as well as a skills assessment and online advice articles.”
Degree Apprenticeships combine University study and work-based learning to enable an apprentice to gain a full bachelor’s degree.
They are co-designed by employers ensuring that apprentices are equipped with the skills employers need when they graduate.
For more information on apprenticeships at BCU, head to the webpage.