Santina's Degree Apprenticeship Journey

Santina is a Level 6 Civil Engineering Degree Apprentice at Arup working within the ground engineering team in the Birmingham office. Arup is a leading global engineering consultancy firm. Santina describes how she is getting a head start in her career and the benefits of doing a degree apprenticeship.

Why did you choose a Degree Apprenticeship?

Santina: " My journey toward an apprenticeship began when I was 15. One of the most appealing aspects of an apprenticeship was the opportunity to continue my education, something I’m passionate about, while gaining practical, on-the-job skills and earning a salary, all without incurring debt. It felt like the perfect combination."

The best parts of a Degree Apprenticeship

Santina: "The most inspiring aspect of my degree apprenticeship is the opportunity to make a positive impact on society.

Another highlight is knowing that when I finish my apprenticeship, I will not only hold a recognised degree but also have seven years of industry experience (including the time spent during my Level 3 apprenticeship). This combination of academic and practical knowledge is invaluable."

What are your highlights?

Within her role Santina has been able to enjoy some external opportunities, such as speaking at the house of lords, working with UCAS, Pearons the BBC and being invited to the Kings Summer garden part. She is a strong advocate for degree apprenticeships and early careers more broadly. Santina also serves as the lead early career representative at Arup, where she supports over 250 students. This role involves ensuring peers voices and perspectives are heard and provides feedback to the leadership team.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

Santina: "One of the incredible aspects of engineering is its breadth, there are countless paths to explore. Over the next five years, my primary goal is to complete my degree apprenticeship and earn my degree in Civil and Infrastructure Engineering. Achieving this will mark the culmination of years of dedication and hard work. By then, I’ll have eight years of industry experience, which is a significant advantage compared to a typical graduate’s journey."

Advice for someone considering a Degree Apprenticeship?

Santina: "If you value the chance to earn while you learn, enhance your skills, make a meaningful impact, and avoid student debt, a degree apprenticeship could be the perfect choice for you.

They require a strong work ethic, as you have to balance work responsibilities with university assignments and exams. Time management and organisational skills are critical.

However, saying that don’t hesitate to take the leap. I chose the ‘untraditional’ path and now find myself thriving at University of Warwick while working for a globally renowned engineering consultancy firm."

Why did you choose Warwick?

Santina: "Warwick appealed to me for several reasons. Firstly, it is a Russell Group University with an excellent reputation. The high rankings of its civil engineering course assured me that I would receive a top-quality education and strong support to help me do in my degree.

Another key factor was the block-release schedule, which involves attending university for one full week each month instead of one day a week. I preferred this setup as it allowed for a clear separation between my work and university life. Also I thought that spending a full week on campus would allow me to feel more part of the university, and university life as well as build better relationships with others in my class."