Five young engineers have avoided student debt by graduating with First-Class Honours degrees while working in full-time roles with the same company.
Their achievements underline the important role employer-led apprenticeships can play in tackling skills shortages in key industries, while providing an attractive alternative for young people to the traditional university route.
The approach is in tune with the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s commitment to achieve parity between technical and academic qualifications, and to match education and training with local jobs and the needs of industry.
Tom Dubej, Oliver Wilkinson, Matthew Hunter, Alistair Sceats and Jack Waslin, all 24, earned the highest academic classifications in their respective degrees, while learning on the job with engineering business Spencer Group.
The rising stars joined Spencer Group as Engineering Apprentices six years ago. They all gained HNC, NVQ and HND qualifications before moving onto undergraduate degrees.
Their top grades highlight the outstanding success of the Hull-based company’s employer-led apprenticeship programmes, which represent a major, long-term investment in both its people and the future capability of the business.
The new graduates are all former students of employer-led school, Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) in Hull, of which Spencer Group is a Founding Partner, highlighting the benefits collaboration between educators and employers has for young people beginning their careers.
Degree apprenticeships enable young people to gain professional qualifications without financial barriers, earning a salary, gaining years of practical experience, and graduating without the burden of student debt.
Quantity Surveyor Matthew Hunter said: “I’m a hands-on learner and really benefit from learning alongside physically doing things, so doing an apprenticeship through to degree level has really allowed me to do that.
“An apprenticeship really gives you the best of both worlds, allowing you to get the hands-on practical experience as well as the technical qualifications, all while earning a wage and not getting into student debt. So, for me, there’s no question, I’d 100% recommend a degree apprenticeship.”
Spencer Group Founder and Chairman, Charlie Spencer OBE, added: “We’re incredibly proud of the achievements of our five degree apprentices.
“Their exceptional results are a testament to their talent, hard work and dedication, as well as to the support and guidance offered by their mentors within the business.
“These exceptional young people have earned outstanding academic qualifications while gaining real-world experience on major engineering projects and building successful careers. They represent exactly the kind of skilled professionals our industry needs.”
