A GXO apprentice is encouraging school leavers to apply for a Degree Apprenticeship as a way to fast track their careers and avoid getting saddled with the thousands of pounds of debt that a university degree can bring.
The call comes as GCSE results day fast approaches and many young people consider their career options.
Currently around 36% of 18 year olds go to university after college, with 87% reporting to be happy with their degree, according to government statistics.
However, due to inflated tuition fees and rising cost of living, most are leaving further education with debts of £50,000 or higher.
Matthew Francis chose a different route, taking on a Degree Apprenticeship with logistics giant GXO, a sponsor of the awareness campaign, Generation Logistics.
French said choosing a Degree Apprenticeship has allowed him to gain hands on valuable work experience as well as studying for a degree.
He added: “This means by the time you have finished, you have years of experience and a qualification, and are ahead on the career ladder.
“Furthermore, you are also getting a good salary with the degree apprenticeship, as well as a better understanding of how fast-paced and dynamic the industry is.
“For the last three-and-a-half years, I have been studying a supply chain management degree apprenticeship.
“For the past few months, I have been undertaking a new role which is becoming a bonded administrator on a premium cyclewear contract, Rapha.”
French added that the degree has also helped him become more self assured.
“The main skill that I have developed has been my confidence,” he said.
“This is because with a degree apprenticeship, you are required to do presentations, which has allowed me to improve my public speaking skills.”
For people considering a career in logistics, French advises applicants to be flexible.
“Be prepared for a fast-paced and constantly changing environment, where no two days are the same.
“It’s important to develop strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, as these are essential to keep operations running smoothly.
“I would also recommend being open to learning and taking every opportunity to gain experience, as logistics offers strong and rapid career progression and a variety of pathways depending on your interests if you are willing to learn.”
Bethany Windsor, Generation Logistics programme director, said French’s experience shows that there are more roads to a successful career than the traditional degree.
She added: “A degree apprenticeship means you’ll graduate with no debt, experience both working and student lifestyles simultaneously, and have a full-time job once you are qualified.
“It can provide the perfect balance for those not quite ready for full-time employment, but don’t want to do a traditional university degree.
“The logistics sector is packed with these types of opportunities, with many of the major players offering degree apprenticeships across a wide range of roles.
“For any young people still deciding what to do after school or college, the logistics sector could offer them a long-term, progressive career path via a degree apprenticeship.”
More information on Degree Apprenticeships can be found here on the Generation Logistics website.
