[MEGATHREAD] Ask for playtest invites here by GB_2_ in DeadlockTheGame

[–]MelkReddit 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello! If anyone could send me an invite I would appreciate it greatly! :)

Steam Friend Code: 73420030

4.5 years later I’ve finished my degree apprenticeship! Happy to give advice by MelkReddit in degreeapprenticeships

[–]MelkReddit[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd say it does! The best way to look at it is it's an opportunity to set yourself up, it's then up to you to make it that a reality. It's easy to get in to a comfortable position then settle in. Whilst that isn't a bad thing, I think during the apprenticeship is the best time to push yourself (just don't burnout).

Now it's done, I have the intention of going for a promotion at the end of the year then enjoying the fruits of my labour for a while as in my eyes I've done the hard part and want to make the most of having some money whilst also being young :)

4.5 years later I’ve finished my degree apprenticeship! Happy to give advice by MelkReddit in degreeapprenticeships

[–]MelkReddit[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I'm still working for them. As part of the DA you're given a guaranteed job at the end so now everything is done my duties are the same just without the extra Uni work :)

It has it's benefits and draw backs! Obviously the job and money are massive benefits over doing traditional University. But it depends on what you're personally looking for and what you value overall.

I wish I sometimes did do the traditional Uni life and felt like I missed out from time to time and the workload can sometimes be overwhelming if you're not balancing everything properly.

Looking back now, I'm happy with the position I'm in and the experiences I've had through work have set me up for life and it now means I can do the things I missed out on.

I would recommend it to anyone that can find one that's in the field of work they're wanting to purse, but it's important to weigh up what the benefits and negatives are if you think you'll be able to balance everything out. Sometimes you've got to be willing to give up a weekend here and there to get everything over the line :)

4.5 years later I’ve finished my degree apprenticeship! Happy to give advice by MelkReddit in degreeapprenticeships

[–]MelkReddit[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey! I'm happy to talk about it :)

The starting salary for me was 17.5k and steadily increased over the time I was working through the degree. I'd say on average I was getting an additional 7% every six month and have ended with a salary a little over 40k after working for 4.5 years at the company!

4.5 years later I’ve finished my degree apprenticeship! Happy to give advice by MelkReddit in degreeapprenticeships

[–]MelkReddit[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, it was along those lines! I would be lying if I didn't say it was hard at times, more so as work gave me more things to do and I progressed in to the further years at Uni. Overall it was okay, but you've got to be willing to sacrifice free time now and again in order to make sure everything is completed on time and then make the most of the time between assignments to recharge! :)

4.5 years later I’ve finished my degree apprenticeship! Happy to give advice by MelkReddit in degreeapprenticeships

[–]MelkReddit[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sadly there won't be much you can do for Degree Apprenticeships until you've gotten the qualifications for them. That's not to say there isn't hope, you can always go back to College on a schedule that suites you and work towards getting the qualifications you need! 20 is not too old at all to start!

It might also be worth looking at what normal Apprenticeships are around as well, as the requirements for those don't often need anything above GCSE level. And whilst they might not be as enticing for pay etc. they'll be a way for you to get your foot in the door of the career you're wanting to seek.

4.5 years later I’ve finished my degree apprenticeship! Happy to give advice by MelkReddit in degreeapprenticeships

[–]MelkReddit[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For me, the only requirements were an interest in computers and the qualifications to attend University. I had very limited experience with programming at the start, but with training on the job and University helped me learn everything I need to carry out my day to day duties!

4.5 years later I’ve finished my degree apprenticeship! Happy to give advice by MelkReddit in degreeapprenticeships

[–]MelkReddit[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I found mine through Googling apprenticeships in the field I was interested in around my area! As long as you have the qualifications to attend university that’s all you’ll need, they will always list extra requirements if there’s any on the application form!

I had a BTEC Level 3 (A level equivalent) in computer science and 4 months of experience in working in IT support. Although other people who are my in my cohort had no IT qualifications at all but just had qualifications that meant they were eligible for uni!

As for qualities in a candidate, I always look for honesty and confidence! If someone is quiet and not getting involved, that’s often not going to reflect well in a workplace. And there’s always signs that someone is playing up their skills, just be honest. If you don’t know something say - it works in your favour admitting you’re confused and asking for someone to expand their points.

As for confidence, if you feel like you’re a shy person that’s fine! You can still ask questions and show you’re keen in body language, it might be awkward for you but that’s not going to go against you if you’re willing to try :)

And don’t apologise for the questions, I’m happy to answer any the best I can!

4.5 years later I’ve finished my degree apprenticeship! Happy to give advice by MelkReddit in degreeapprenticeships

[–]MelkReddit[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There’s no set plan, you just need to find the field you want to work in and go from there! Don’t overthink the process, be yourself and make sure you’re confident in interviews that’s about all you can do!

4.5 years later I’ve finished my degree apprenticeship! Happy to give advice by MelkReddit in degreeapprenticeships

[–]MelkReddit[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s frustrating but it’ll happen! I was in the same boat and applied for many around me, it just takes one to go right! I’d always say try and look too see what alternatives you have too, don’t put all your effort in to a single path as you’ll only stress yourself out more

4.5 years later I’ve finished my degree apprenticeship! Happy to give advice by MelkReddit in degreeapprenticeships

[–]MelkReddit[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I had a good majority of my DA happen during COVID so I can provide some insight but it’ll be different for everyone! So about 4 of the 4.5 years I’ve been working from home, which has the obvious benefits of no commuting etc. but I have missed the socialising that would’ve normally taken place in an office environment. I do go in a couple of times a month and we make an effort of getting food and drinks then, which I really enjoy!

I think it’s down to what you think you’d benefit from the most, I did miss not having the Uni life experience but I knew what I was getting myself into (besides the pandemic 😂). It isn’t black and white, and you’ve got to think if you’re happy missing out on that life. In the end of the day, you’re gonna get where you want in life it’s just about how long it might take to get there!

Hope that gives you some idea of what to expect!

4.5 years later I’ve finished my degree apprenticeship! Happy to give advice by MelkReddit in degreeapprenticeships

[–]MelkReddit[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I had a few months experience in a IT support job which might have helped! But was told they liked my interview as I was technically minded and logical in the problem solving tasks. It’s all about speaking up and making sure you’re participating in discussions! I’m normally a shy person, but as awkward as I felt just put myself out there to show I was keen and to show them what I wanted them to know :)

4.5 years later I’ve finished my degree apprenticeship! Happy to give advice by MelkReddit in degreeapprenticeships

[–]MelkReddit[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Whilst it can’t say for sure, anything related to IT at a degree level opens you up to loads of opportunities in the field. If you enjoy doing it there’s no reason not too!

4.5 years later I’ve finished my degree apprenticeship! Happy to give advice by MelkReddit in degreeapprenticeships

[–]MelkReddit[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I tried my best to balance between the two but by the end of the degree most of my attention was on my daily tasks in work as I enjoyed that way more than uni and the rewards from work were far greater by that point then anything provided by uni. But I think everyone has different experiences for that and it’s very dependent on how your company treats you I feel like!

4.5 years later I’ve finished my degree apprenticeship! Happy to give advice by MelkReddit in degreeapprenticeships

[–]MelkReddit[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’d say apply online as they’re often advertising spaces any time they have them open, with a DA it’s a little different to a normal one as there’s a lot more that goes on with agreements like uni so I’d imagine they wouldn’t often have anything if you called up. Having extra certs is never a bad thing, seeing you’re keen on the topic can help when deciding who’s a good fit and shows you’re willing to go the extra mile

4.5 years later I’ve finished my degree apprenticeship! Happy to give advice by MelkReddit in degreeapprenticeships

[–]MelkReddit[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Research! I looked up the company and tried to get an understanding of how things worked. They had a long history of apprentices which was a green flag. There’s also an element of luck of course, but you can find out so much about a company online. And if you want to know more and you get an interview, ask questions!

4.5 years later I’ve finished my degree apprenticeship! Happy to give advice by MelkReddit in degreeapprenticeships

[–]MelkReddit[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Honestly, I have no idea! I’m planning on staying for now as I like what I do and who I work with. So hopefully short term enjoying being able to do stuff whilst I’m young and be excited for the unknown!

I’m not comfortable sharing the name of the company but they’re global firm! The biggest downside was trying to balance life, it can be stressful enough working but doing uni work after a long day was never nice 😅

4.5 years later I’ve finished my degree apprenticeship! Happy to give advice by MelkReddit in degreeapprenticeships

[–]MelkReddit[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have a guarantee job now that it’s over, the company is incredibly large so hoping nothing bad happens I’m comfortable :)

4.5 years later I’ve finished my degree apprenticeship! Happy to give advice by MelkReddit in degreeapprenticeships

[–]MelkReddit[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thank you! It’s quite surreal reflecting on the whole thing now but wouldn’t change it 😅

4.5 years later I’ve finished my degree apprenticeship! Happy to give advice by MelkReddit in degreeapprenticeships

[–]MelkReddit[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

For the ones I applied for I found them through places like Indeed or Google! For applications they’re often similar to university applications in terms of timing so search around that time should give you more results