Blog: “From my very first week, the sense of community was obvious”

Apprenticeships at Harper Adams University provide students with the opportunity to combine employment with learning, meaning they get to experience student life whilst in full-time work.  

Georgia Clarkson, originally from Skipton in North Yorkshire, decided to return to university after completing a BSc in Equine Science and Management, with the intention of becoming a qualified rural surveyor through our MProf Chartered Surveyor (Rural) Degree Apprenticeship route.  

In this blog, she tells us about her experience:

“I recently moved to Rugby to begin working with Sworders while studying for my the MProf in Rural Estate and Land Management at Harper Adams as an apprentice. 

“I decided to return to university because I knew that qualifying as a rural surveyor was the direction I wanted my career to take. 

“The teaching was a huge pull for me. The lecturers aren’t just academics, they’re people who have actually worked in the profession, which makes everything feel so much more relevant, real and practical.” 

A highlight from Georgia’s time at the University so far has been the sense of community. 

She said: “My experience at Harper has honestly been brilliant. From my very first week, the sense of community was obvious – everyone genuinely wants to help each other. 

“Starting at a new university is always daunting, but the apprentice welcome session really put me at ease, and I felt supported even before setting foot on campus. 

“One of the things I enjoy most is meeting other students who are going through the same journey, all with different backgrounds, experiences, and reasons for doing the course. Some want accreditation like me, others are managing their own estates or farms, and it creates such an interesting mix of perspectives. 

“I really value the support network we’ve built. I was worried that I would feel like I was doing my apprenticeship “on my own” because we’re not on campus every week, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s different from my first degree, but in a good way, I actually really enjoy the structure. 

“What I love is that the support doesn’t stop once you leave. I always feel I can reach out if I’m unsure about anything, and the online learning materials are so extensive that I never feel like I’m in the dark.” 

Georgia is also finding her new role at Sworders as an apprentice fascinating, and adds: “Since starting, I’ve felt incredibly supported by both my colleagues and my apprenticeship officer.  

“We have regular meetings to track my progress and make sure I feel confident with the process. I’m very grateful to work alongside such knowledgeable people, they’ve made me feel welcome from day one” 

Her advice for prospective students is this: “Stay organised with your coursework and your logging of learning, little and often really is the key. It can feel overwhelming at the start, and that is completely normal. Eventually you’ll find your rhythm, so give yourself time. 

“Communication is absolutely essential. I’m very lucky to have a workplace that truly supports me, but it’s still important to be open about what you need. You’re working full time while completing a Master’s, it’s a big undertaking! Keeping your manager in the loop makes everything easier and less stressful. 

“And finally - stay on top of things. It’s so much more manageable when you do.”