Havant is HSDC’s A Level Centre of Excellence, and is a campus dedicated to providing its students with the opportunities to thrive after leaving college. With competitive salaries and no student debt, degree apprenticeships are quickly becoming one of the most popular and dynamic routes that a student can take. Recently, three Havant alumni returned to the College to speak to students about their experiences in apprenticeships.
Ollie Youngman left HSDC Havant in 2024, and is currently undertaking a solicitor degree apprenticeship at Holman Fenwick Willan (HFW), an internationally renowned legal firm based in London. Having considered approaching university directly, Ollie heard about degree apprenticeships from a friend in his second year at College, spurring him to apply. Speaking about the highly competitive application process, Ollie said:
“I applied for 27 different apprenticeships, but it’s important to remember that it only takes one successful application. The best way to get through rejections is to persevere, and the support available to me from HSDC really helped with this. I’m loving my current role at HFW and would recommend degree apprenticeships to anyone!”
Oliver Youngman talking to current HSDC Havant students about his time as a solicitor degree apprentice.
Alice Cottrell studied at Havant, and is currently working in a degree apprenticeship at KPMG, one of the ‘Big Four’ accountancy firms. Alice spoke to students about how, despite not studying accountancy at college, she was able to use the advice of the excellent HSDC Careers Team to secure her role. From advice on how to craft a CV to narrowing down her interests, Alice spoke of the Careers Team with high praise, saying:
“I went into the application process completely blind, and unsure of what I wanted to do after college. The Careers Team were so helpful, helping me with my CV and cover letter and preparing me for the aptitude tests in the assessments. My main advice for those wanting to do apprenticeships would be to apply early and don’t be disheartened by rejections!”
Alice Cottrell talking to Havant students about her application journey and time working for KPMG as an apprentice.
Matthew Bonnett left Havant in 2023, and is currently in the second year of his Degree Apprenticeship in Project Management at aviation giant Airbus. As he works towards becoming a Project Manager, Matthew told the students:
“My apprenticeship is proof that you don’t have to be an engineer to work for a space company. We are based in Portsmouth, only four miles away from Havant Campus, and it is an incredible feeling to know that I’m contributing to the local and national economy. I have a good work-uni-life balance, and when I gain my qualifications, I will have a degree AND be a project manager, putting me a step ahead.”
Matthew Bonnett talking to Havant students about his time as a degree apprentice for Airbus.
All three of the students praised their apprenticeships for accepting them despite their “lack” of experience at A Level. There are so many opportunities out there for young people leaving College, regardless of what they study, and a degree apprenticeship is the perfect way to gain a higher qualification whilst enjoying real-world experience in the workforce.
Speaking about the opportunities available to those students who take these alternative post-College routes, Havant’s SUN Progress Mentor, Ceri Tipler said:
“The value of degree apprenticeships after college is definitely high for those candidates who are willing to compete hard for entry on these programmes. As the majority of apprentices are taken on permanently at the end of their apprenticeship, they really are a great way to earn, learn, and develop the skills necessary to succeed in the modern workplace.”