Apprentices studying at Middlesex University set their sights high on exciting future careers

During National Apprenticeship Week, four students reveal how a degree apprenticeship has lifted their confidence and made them ready for work

Students studying for degree apprenticeships in Digital Design, Nursing, and Environmental Health at Middlesex University have spoken of how the courses have transformed their self-belief and career prospects during National Apprenticeship Week.

Alice Himfen, is studying for a degree apprenticeship in BA Digital Design which has seen her expand her responsibilities and line manage junior team members in her graphic design role at her company, Exertis.

Alice, from Hutton in Essex, said: “I started the course as a graphic designer and it has given me the confidence to manage others and take on more responsibility. Everything I have learned on the course has supported me in this.”

Having worked in graphic design for 20 years and never been to university, Alice’s employer recommended the degree apprenticeship at Middlesex University to learn valuable up-to-date digital skills which are in demand by employers.

Alice has online classes alongside coursework and assignments which complement her day-to-day role. She is learning how to put together detailed design briefs from initial concept stage to final campaigns, pitch for business, manage multiple tasks, deadlines and clients, develop knowledge of digital design tools and methods, measure the success of campaigns, and manage junior team members.

She said: “It has been valuable to update my digital skills, such as learning how to use artificial intelligence (AI) in my role. The digital world is developing so quickly and it will advance my career to be able to design larger campaigns with a greater focus on digital content.

“My tutor at Middlesex University has been brilliant, really supportive, and so much of what I’ve learned I’ve been able to apply directly to my day-to-day job to progress further.

“If you get an opportunity to do a degree apprenticeship, seize it. I have already experienced countless benefits and insights which will be invaluable to my future. Onwards and upwards – I am loving this journey!”

Alice Himfen, BA Digital Design Apprentice

Brittany Gage is studying for a Nursing Associate apprenticeship degree at Middlesex University after studying for an NVQ qualification in childcare and working as a healthcare assistant in a hospital in her hometown of Norwich.

After she relocated to Hertfordshire with her partner, she applied for a nursery nurse role at Barnet Hospital where they offered her the apprenticeship degree at Middlesex University.

The two-year course, approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, involves being based on a ward at Barnet Hospital, which is part of the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, while also doing work placements at other hospitals in North London and attending lectures and training at Middlesex University’s state-of-the-art simulated hospital at West Stand in the StoneX Stadium. Brittany has enjoyed placements in adult mental health, community nursing, care of the elderly, and paediatrics.

Brittany, who is 29 and lives in Welwyn, Hertfordshire, said: “The training at West Stand is fantastic as it is like a real hospital. I look forward to my university days because it is such a good learning environment with amazing facilities.

“All the lecturers have given us support throughout our academic journeys, and their guidance, encouragement and expertise has been invaluable.”

She said the course is an excellent preparation for a nursing career. The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills has enabled Brittany to learn basic clinical skills such as administering medicine and monitoring vital signs, alongside communication techniques and understanding health conditions and how to support patients with their daily living activities.

Brittany said: “Apprenticeship degrees are an amazing opportunity for people who think a certain career might be out of reach for them, and also a way to enhance skills in your current role. I am a visual learner and learning with hands-on placements and combining university with on-the-job training has been perfect for me. It's also a win-win situation; you study while working and earning a salary. I can focus on my studying without worrying about how I will pay my bills."

“This course has changed my life and opened so many doors and opportunities for me. It has led to many wonderful and memorable experiences, both practically and theoretically."

Brittany Gage, Nursing Associate Apprentice

Brittany’s passion is child health and she eventually wants to become a registered paediatric nurse. 

She added:  I love caring for children and every day is completely different. It can be difficult at times because no-one wants to be in hospital, however it is an extremely rewarding career, knowing I am making a difference to people's lives gives me great pride. I love paediatrics and the apprenticeship course has given me the opportunity to train for my dream career.”

Despina Kalozoes is also on the Nursing Associate degree apprenticeship course, based at North Middlesex Hospital where she worked as a healthcare assistant.

Despina, who is 23, is originally from Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, and lives in Edmonton in North London. She said: “The degree apprenticeship was advertised at an Open Day at my hospital; I wanted to progress my career and it sounded interesting so I applied.”

Like Brittany, Despina said she has done a range of placements in clinical settings including adult wards, paediatrics, adult mental health, patients with learning disabilities, and care of the elderly. Despina is based on a Care of the Elderly Ward and recently had a placement in paediatrics at the Royal Free Hospital.

She said: “As well as the placements, there are theory and skills sessions at the fantastic simulation facilities at West Stand. You get a taste of different kinds of medical disciplines and ward settings, and it’s a brilliant opportunity to develop and advance your career. At the end of the course, you receive Nursing and Midwifery Council registration and it is a great route into nursing.

“Other people on my course are at different stages of their lives, some younger, some older with caring responsibilities; it is so beneficial for them to have financial security while studying. Without degree apprenticeships, I think fewer people would go into nursing which is already experiencing shortages in the NHS.”

Paediatric nursing is a potential field that Despina would like to explore in future following her placement on a children's ward at the Royal Free Hospital.

“This was a fantastic step for me in terms of career progression. It has been a really positive experience and I am a different person now with so much confidence in my abilities and future career ambitions.”

Despina Kalozoes, Nursing Associate Apprentice

Arina Chilo, from St Neots near Cambridge, is studying for a BSc Environmental Health degree apprenticeship at Middlesex University and applied for the course while she was working at Cambridge City Council.

Arina has an MSc in Sports and Exercise Nutrition and has worked as a sports and exercise therapist, although she was attracted to the role of Environmental Health Officer.

“Environmental Health offers opportunities to specialise in different areas, whether that is research or a more practical role; it also combined my passion for science with doing something that can help people,” said Arina.

Arina, who is 27, is based in the commercial and licensing team, mainly specialising in food safety. She has also shadowed teams dealing with noise pollution, industrial pollution, housing and rental accommodation.

At Middlesex University, her course has covered a range of modules including food safety and inspection, housing conditions, pollution control, health and safety, and legislative processes.

Arina said: “The lessons at Middlesex complement my day-to-day role really well. Everything I learn in the classroom I can apply at work, which is one of the benefits of doing a degree apprenticeship. I am studying the housing module at the moment which is complicated; I can get support from my tutors at Middlesex while also asking the residential team at the council about my assignments and applying my knowledge at work.”

Arina’s goal is to become a fully qualified Environmental Health Officer.

“This course has made me really well-placed in a competitive job market,” she said. “I have learned so much while the apprenticeship has given me practical experience which is so important when applying for roles.”Arina Chilo, BSc Environmental Health Apprentice

Professor Darryll Bravenboer, Director of Apprenticeships and Professor of Higher Education and Skills at Middlesex University, said: “Middlesex University has an excellent track record in delivering degree apprenticeships. Our courses give students the confidence, knowledge and skills to achieve rewarding careers in the NHS, policing, environmental health, teaching, social work, and digital design, while helping employers develop a future-ready workforce.

“The University looks forward to continuing and growing this provision, with over £3.5 million funding awarded last October by the Office for Students to support the development and expansion of our degree apprenticeships in healthcare and teaching.

“The apprenticeships courses we provide are invaluable in supporting social mobility and plugging severe skills shortages in the public sector. In addition, we know that employers are prioritising digital skills and our Digital Degree Apprenticeships are designed to meet this need.”

Learn more about studying for a Degree Apprenticeship at Middlesex University.