Burntwood student earns place on prestigious Degree Apprenticeship

My name is Maira, a Year 13 student, and I just finished my A-levels. After much work, I’m glad to say that I will be going on to become a Degree Apprentice at Amazon for Project Management after Burntwood. Though I’d like to believe this is a path that I’ve always wanted to pursue, it’s difficult to say that deciding your future career is easy or quick. So, to at least reassure those still uncertain, I’d like to share a bit of my own journey. 

I spent a lot of time contemplating between university and non-traditional routes like apprenticeships. Naturally, the compromise I came to was applying for a Degree apprenticeship where I didn’t have to choose between university and work. However, it took me a long time to fully commit to that decision, mostly because I was unsure of whether the world of work was what I wanted to enter (especially so quick after full-time education). As a student, it’s a lot to consider. Most people around you will opt for university so I understand the pressure you can feel to do what’s familiar over something new. But, in the end, what feels difficult or scary is often what’s better for you. I had a lot of support from teachers, particularly from our Career’s Advisor, and being encouraged to take opportunities rather than worry how I might do is what pushed me to choose the apprenticeship route. 

I spent around five months going through the different phases of application, from initial submissions to interviews and assessment centres, and I was given advice in every stage. I spoke with previous applicants from Burntwood and even some who had been accepted into Amazon which was incredibly helpful! It sounds like a given but reaching out for advice and assistance is really valuable so don’t be afraid to ask questions and engage with your decisions as much as possible. 

I managed to receive a job offer and it was honestly such a thrilling feeling. The university I am to be enrolled in for my degree is a Russel group school and I believe this is the case for most Amazon degree apprenticeships so if you are worried about the education aspect, the quality isn’t compromised at all. I really look forward to what the next few years will bring and, though I’m sure it’ll be hard, I don’t regret choosing something new and out of my comfort zone. 

Your future will constantly be changing so my advice is to do what you love in the present. Fears are a natural part of change and will be overcome if you give yourself some grace. All the best to everyone, I hope you’re able to find success in whatever you do