For Andy Fotheringham, completing a Graduate Apprenticeship in Business Management at QMU supported his progression from Project Coordinator to Assistant Project Manager and, shortly after graduating, to Project Manager. By combining university study with his career, Andy was able to apply what he learned directly to his work while gaining practical experience and taking on greater responsibility. He reflects on how the experience developed his decision-making, encouraged him to think more reflectively about his work, and supported his continued professional development.
What made you choose a Graduate Apprenticeship rather than a more traditional route into higher education?
I chose the Graduate Apprenticeship route because it allowed me to continue developing my career while gaining a degree. Rather than stepping away from work, I could build my academic knowledge alongside practical experience and apply both at the same time.
What do you think is the biggest advantage of being able to study for a degree while continuing to work?
The biggest advantage is being able to connect academic learning directly to real situations at work. This made the course feel relevant and helped me develop professionally without putting my career on hold.
What was it like balancing your job with your university studies, and how did you manage your time?
Balancing work and university was demanding at times, particularly around assignments and busy periods at work. I managed it by planning ahead, setting aside regular study time, and breaking larger pieces of work into smaller, more manageable tasks. It also helped me become more disciplined about prioritising my time.
How did being able to apply what you were learning at university to your workplace affect your experience?
Being able to apply the learning at work made the course more meaningful. I could evaluate ideas in a practical setting, reflect on the results, and then use that experience in my university work. It helped me understand not only the theory, but also how to adapt it to real project situations.
How did your employer support you during your Graduate Apprenticeship? Did you find that being able to continue working alongside your studies was beneficial?
My employer supported me by allowing me to continue working and developing while completing the course. Remaining in the workplace was greatly beneficial because I was gaining experience, taking on more responsibility, and applying my learning throughout the Graduate Apprenticeship.
What support did you receive from QMU while completing your Graduate Apprenticeship, and how did this help you?
I found the support from QMU positive. The lecturers provided guidance on the course content and assignments, and the learning environment gave me the opportunity to ask questions, discuss ideas, and learn from other people's experiences. That support helped me remain focused and make progress alongside my job.
Did you use any student support services during your studies?
I did not make significant use of additional university services during my studies, but it was reassuring to know that support was available if required.
Did you take part in any schemes or initiatives to enhance your learning and development, such as mentoring or volunteering? If so, how did these contribute to your experience?
I did not take part in a specific university scheme or initiative outside the course. However, the course itself encouraged discussion, shared learning and reflection, which all contributed to my development.
Did you receive any awards, scholarships or internships during your time at QMU that helped you develop your skills or experience?
I was proud to receive the Dean's Award during my time at QMU. It was a welcome recognition of the effort I had put into balancing my studies with my career development.
What did you enjoy most about studying at QMU?
I most enjoyed learning alongside people who brought different experiences and perspectives. The course was enjoyable, practical, and relevant to my work, and it gave me the chance to step back from day-to-day activity and think more carefully about how and why decisions are made.
What skills or experience did you develop through the Graduate Apprenticeship that you think have been particularly valuable in your career?
Two of the most valuable areas were decision-making and reflection. Learning about satisficing helped me recognise that good decisions are often about choosing a workable option based on the information, time, and constraints available, rather than waiting for a perfect answer. Reflective practice also helped me review my experiences more objectively, understand what worked or did not work, and use those lessons to improve future decisions and actions.
Did completing the Graduate Apprenticeship open up new opportunities for you at work or help you progress in your career?
Yes. I was a Project Coordinator when I started the course and became an Assistant Project Manager around halfway through it. Shortly after completing the course, I progressed to a Project Manager role. The qualification was part of that development, alongside the experience and increased responsibility I gained at work.
Now that you've completed your Graduate Apprenticeship, what do you think are the biggest benefits of this type of study?
The main benefits are gaining a recognised degree, continuing to earn, and building practical experience at the same time. The learning can be applied immediately, and workplace experience also adds context to the academic side of the course. For me, it supported both personal development and career progression.
What would you say to someone who is considering a Graduate Apprenticeship but isn't sure whether this route is right for them?
I would recommend considering it seriously, particularly if you learn well by applying ideas in practice. It does require commitment and good time management, but it is a rewarding route that allows you to continue developing your career while gaining a degree. My advice would be to plan your time, make use of the support available, and take time to reflect on how the learning relates to your work.
