Meet the apprentice: Megan Budge

Apprenticeships can be a great way for colleagues to boost their training and career development, gaining skills and qualifications while continuing to work at the University.

For National Apprenticeships Week (6-12 February), we spoke to Megan Budge from the Legal Services team, who is completing a Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship though the University of Law.

Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?

I always knew I wanted to train further to qualify as a solicitor but did not know which route would be best for me to take. When my supervisor found out about the apprenticeship scheme it seemed to all line up and I accepted almost immediately!

I really enjoy my work and the team I am in, and without this apprenticeship I would have had to leave the University to complete the further training required to qualify. Instead, by joining an apprenticeship scheme I have the benefit of completing my qualification whilst working in a role I love I and do not have to take a career break to achieve it.

How have you found balancing work with your apprenticeship learning?

Undertaking an apprenticeship is a big commitment and I have had to work hard to ensure that I give enough time to my studying whilst condensing my usual 5 day workload into 4 days. It is important to focus fully on my study day and I try not to dip in and out between training and work or neither will be getting my full concentration.

Communicating openly with my team about my schedule and being flexible with my diary helps me give enough time to both sides of the training. Having a supportive team behind me has made that task much easier. Being organised and identifying what is coming up at work helps me get ahead and plan my week so that I am confident I can switch off and focus fully on my training on study days.

I have also had to give a lot of evenings and weekends to my training, which is something to take into consideration, but I am more than happy to do so knowing that it will be worth it in the end.

How have you applied the training to your work?

My apprenticeship is very closely aligned with the matters I undertake at work and as I have got further into my training, I have a broader knowledge base to use and put into practice and more confidence in my skills and abilities. Alongside theory, we study practical skills which can be applied directly to my work.

What have been the main challenges of an apprenticeship for you?

My apprenticeship is very independent and self-led which means I don’t have lectures to attend but am given materials to study each week and online weekly tests to complete. This has required a huge amount of self-discipline to stay focused and keep up with the schedule and in this way, it is very different from my experience at school or university.

Whilst my tutors are always there for support it is down to me to keep myself up-to-date and complete all the readings and tasks.  It took some getting used to and is a very different way of studying for me, but I have now found my groove and really enjoy being able to lead and learn in the way I choose.

What advice would you give to any colleagues considering an apprenticeship?

I definitely recommend looking into what is available and how they can help you get where you want to go. I am so grateful for this opportunity to learn and train alongside work, gaining practical skills and applying them instantly to my job which would not have been possible any other route.

There is a greater variety of apprenticeships now compared to when I was at school so even those who don’t think any could apply to them should take a look. I have thoroughly enjoyed the chance to widen my skill set, gain a qualification, further my career and meet other apprentices who are in the same position, and I would encourage everyone to consider what they could also do.

Where to find more information

The University offers opportunities for staff to develop their careers and gain a nationally recognised, vocational qualification by undertaking an apprenticeship, funded through the Apprenticeship Levy. To find out if an apprenticeship could be an option for you, visit the People and Development webpage.

An introduction to apprenticeship opportunities will also be presented by Rachel Thomas, Apprenticeships Coordinator in People Development, at the forthcoming Staff Forum Discussion Session on Thursday 23 February at 13:00.