Tell us about yourself and your role:
I work for Nexus doing transport planning and have done since September 2024, so about 17 months. I primarily help write business cases for major projects like Metro to Washington and Metro Go, and do transport demand modelling, like forecasting Metro patronage based on different scenarios. I support with other transport-related things like responding to planning applications and to local transport strategies.
The university side of my apprenticeship is done with Aston University in Birmingham, where I go (funded by Nexus) five or six weeks a year for on-campus lectures Monday to Thursday. With them, I’m studying towards a BSc in Transport Planning. The apprenticeship is 66 months (five and a half years), with five years studying for the degree and six months an end point assessment, after which I get the Level 6 transport planning apprenticeship standard.
What made you choose an apprenticeship?
It was much more attractive than the traditional university route. Getting a degree funded and avoiding a lifetime of student debt was massive for me. I liked that I’d gain experience in both theory and practical, by learning things at university and putting it into practice in my day to day role, allowing me to understand its relevance and applicability of what I’ve learned. This experience also becomes more useful when I finish my apprenticeship, as it means I have a headstart on those who chose the university route, as I’ll have a degree but also those vital years of experience in the field.
What’s been the biggest highlight of your apprenticeship so far?
Knowing that the work I do has an impact on communities in the area I live and grew up in, which is really rewarding. Another is doing something I enjoy. At times it can be challenging, but it’s better that way as its more satisfying when I complete something.
Being nominated for internal awards is also special, as it means other people recognise the work I’m doing.
What challenges have you faced, and how do you manage work/study balance?
The main one is lack of confidence during my apprenticeship. This can be in giving presentations, making work decisions and speaking up in meetings. I’ve overcome this in a couple of ways. First, by pushing myself to do things I wouldn’t typically want to, such as giving presentations and saying “yes” to more opportunities that come my way, reminding myself how I’ll benefit from taking them and getting out of my comfort zone. Then secondly, I acknowledge positive feedback. Often, it’s easier to focus on negatives in feedback, but considering the positives is important as it helps boost confidence and morale.
The work study balance has been fine. I’ve never had issues when I’m overloaded with deadlines to meet for both university and work. I typically dedicate one day a week to uni assignments, that way I have time to do both university and day to day work in the week and can adjust it to suit how my workload to what needs prioritised.
How has the apprenticeship supported you in your role or career so far?
The apprenticeship has supported me in my role by teaching me things at university which are relevant to what I’m doing daily. It’s shown me how wide the field I’m working in is, which is great as it gives me a taste of what I enjoy most within transport planning and a lot of ideas for what I could specialise in once my apprenticeship is complete.
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?
Obviously, I’d say to go for it. If you’d prefer to work, learn and earn at the same time then it’s the route to choose. The hands-on experience learning from professionals in the industry while getting an accredited qualification isn’t something other routes can offer.
