An alternative route into higher education: Meet Georgia Apperley

Degree apprenticeships can offer an alternative route into higher education, giving students the chance to work alongside their studies and learn beneficial new skills to help them progress in the working world while funded by their employer.

Georgia Apperley is in her second year on the BSc (Hons) Food Industry Technical Professional Degree Apprenticeship. She works for Jupiter Group, a year-round supply of produce with a particular focus on prepared fruit. Georgia spoke about her employer and the support she receives, saying: "Working for Jupiter makes you feel like part of a family, they are a great company to work for and are keen to develop you as a person as well as the business.

"Equally, Harper Adams is a great university. The lecturers and facilities offer the best possible experience and everyone is really helpful! Doing an apprenticeship has proven to be very challenging at a young age but I love to be kept busy and be challenged which I definitely am.”

Georgia explained the benefits of a degree apprenticeships saying: “Completing my education through this route offered me work experience and debt free learning which in the long term was the best option for me. I had initially only been looking at full time higher education when this option came around.”

Yvonne Tweddle, Joint MD of Jupiter Group, added: “Degree apprenticeships are a great way for students to gain true work life experience and become both competent and confident in their field before they’ve even graduated. It sets students up for an easier transition into a career that’s not at entry level, as they have gained so much from their practise and understanding from their role.

"It’s a pleasure having Georgia as part of our Jupiter family, and working alongside Harper Adams University to support her Degree Apprenticeship has been very successful.”

An apprentice will be employed by a company and paid a salary, whilst their tuition fees will be paid for by their employer or government funds. A degree apprenticeship involves working at least 30 hours a week with a company, alongside attending university for part time studies for up to five years. Apprentices will also be given time away from their job by employers to study, complete assignments and undertake project work. Harper Adams University offer six specialist degree apprenticeships, supporting professional development in the food industry, utilities and rural surveying.

If you are interested in a Degree Apprenticeship at Harper Adams University, please click here.

Written by Melanie Harwood.