Maximising your time as a Degree Apprentice

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Introduction & Overview

For anyone interested in the context behind this course, here is the introductory overview. You don't need to read it, though: You can skip straight to the first video on the playlist below.

I've spent a lot of time talking with Degree Apprentices in recent years, especially in TikTok Lives and 1:1 mentor sessions. I quickly realised there was quite a disconnect between the expectations of the individual Degree Apprentice ("DA") and their stakeholders (i.e. Parents, University Professors/Lecturers and Work Colleagues/Line Managers).

It's no surprise, especially if you look at things logically. Most DAs are coming straight out of high school or college, typically having completed A-Levels, BTEC or similar qualifications. They've had limited access to the work environment so trying to project forward and understand what and how to use the opportunity of being a DA is naturally somewhat challenging.

It looks easy to me.

It looks easy to your parents.

It's a no-brainer for us all – whether we're line managers, bosses, work colleagues or University staff.

All of us have had dozens of years - if not decades - to appreciate the opportunity and potential of what the Degree Apprenticeship programme offers to those entering the workforce. The key benefits are the most obvious - the degree is 'free', you get paid a salary and you get 4-years of work experience baked in.

What's not to like?

But all too often, I keep meeting DAs who are lost and frustrated. Many of them think they've made a ridiculous choice, especially when they're comparing themselves to normal students enjoying '10+ hours' of lectures every week and essentially swanning around having a fun time.

I feel that understanding what you've got access to, as a DA, is really, really important. It doesn't matter what company you're working with. It doesn't matter what the degree topic is, either. Or the job you're nominally doing. The basic opportunities and potential are right there in front of you.

Recognising it, though. That's the science bit.

As I say, this is no-brainer to the rest of us. We instinctively know (after years of experience!!) that you've got access to phenomenal networking, learning and personal development opportunities. That you're able to make career-long connections to help drive your prospects. That you're getting brilliant, brilliant experience that accelerates your career, compared to the average student popping out of University.

What do we mean? Well, after a lot of conversations with DAs, I've been able to pinpoint several areas that you might consider knowledge-gaps. Things that you will learn – you absolutely will – but the key here, is to try and accelerate your awareness of what's before you, so that you can begin unlocking the possibilities now, rather than when you're in your 20s, 30s or 40s!

I sat down and wrote out 20+ chapters or episodes. They're all here, and they're all free. Each episode deals with a specific topic – for example, 'the importance of internal networking' with colleagues. Most episodes are about 6-7 minutes and it's literally me chatting away trying to download my view.

This doesn't mean I'm correct. These are perspectives that, I think (broadly) your parents, line managers and lecturers will subscribe to as well. Everything I'm suggesting is just that – a suggestion – for you to evaluate as to whether it's right or relevant for you. My service here is to try and help you in your career. Nothing I've set out is guaranteed to succeed. My recommendation is to take everything I've said with a pinch of salt and then formulate your own approach based on your own context.

The fundamental offering here from me is to give you insight into what I think would be helpful. So good luck and every success. If you've got any questions, please find me on TikTok (@highlander928), get me in a 1:1, come to one of my TikTok Lives or join my Discord server.

The Degree Apprenticeship Playlists

Watch the playlist directly on YouTube
Watch the playlist directly on TikTok

The Degree Apprenticeship Course

Here are each of the 21 videos comprising the course, with their brief explanations underneath.

Chapter 1: Introduction

Welcome to my 'Maximising Your Time as a Degree Apprentice' course. This is the introduction and in this episode, I'm giving you an overview of what I'm aiming to achieve across the next few chapters. Welcome!

Chapter 2: Background & Context

In this one, I'm giving you an overview of my background so you've got the context for a lot of the comments and points of view I'm aiming to give you across the next few chapters.

Chapter 3: Tracking your success

In this episode, I'm setting out the critical importance of tracking your success in a professional setting. I discuss the challenges individuals often face in trying to remember their achievements and the necessity of maintaining a record of progress. I outline a few practical strategies for effective tracking, including weekly reflections and the creation of a digital success portfolio. I know this can come across as a bit 'hocus pocus' but I think it's really important to keep track of how well you're doing - so you can document this in your CV and LinkedIn (as well as appreciate how you're developing!)

Chapter 4: Creating your skills roadmap

In this episode, I'm discussing the creation of your very own skills roadmap. Now, before you roll your eyes, I do have a point with this. Time moves fast. Days become weeks, weeks become months and before you know it, months become years. It's important to make sure that you're correctly identifying the likely skills you need to a) develop and b) evidence (i.e. demonstrate proof of those skills) once you've completed your Degree Apprenticeship. That's the focus for this one.

Chapter 5: Learning and development

In this episode, I want to put a spotlight on your organisation's Learning and Development function. If you're working for a big organisation, the chances are there will be a lot of additional resources available to you. Some smaller organisations will also subscribe to a set of resources for all employees. This will generally include you, too. Although I recognise you have a lot on your plate with existing studies, I wanted to encourage you to see what kind of additional options and resources might be open to you.

Chapter 6: Deliver, deliver, deliver

In this episode, I'm focusing on you and your reputation within your company. I also make some suggestions on how to manage your line manager and senior stakeholders.

Chapter 7: Develop your commercial awareness

In this episode, I'm discussing the importance of understanding your company's business model. Knowing the financial drivers and overall business strategy can significantly help you engage with colleagues meaningfully. Do you know how your company actually, really, makes money - and profit?

Chapter 8: Update your CV

In this episode, I'm highlighting why you should always have an updated CV... you just never know when someone is going to ask you for one! So as you go, keep the CV updated. Keep refining it. Trust me, it's both exhilarating the first time you're asked for one from a prospective new line manager... then you look like an idiot when it takes you a week to send it, because the only one you've got is the 1-pager that got you the interview for your Degree Apprenticeship.

Chapter 9: The importance of Career Check-ins

In this episode, I talk about why regular career check-ins and good mentoring are essential for moving your career forward. I share my experiences with both internal and paid external mentors, explaining how independent mentors often provide better focus, accountability and objective guidance. I discuss how to identify strong mentors within your organisation, while being honest about the limitations of assigned workplace mentors. Finally, I share a practical tip: always ask, "What one thing do you think I should do differently to boost my career prospects?"

Chapter 10: The importance of internal networking

In this episode, I talk about the importance of internal networking, especially with senior executives, and how it can accelerate your career. I explain how understanding company politics and building relationships with the right people can give you valuable insight and opportunities that most employees miss. I share practical tips, including how to approach executive assistants and request short meetings to learn about a senior leader’s career journey. Finally, I highlight how genuine curiosity and regular follow-ups can turn a single conversation into an ongoing, career-boosting relationship.

Chapter 11: The role of executive assistants

In this episode, I explain why building strong relationships with executive assistants and business managers is essential for navigating company politics and getting things done. I talk about how these gatekeepers often have more influence and information than many senior executives, making them invaluable allies. I share practical ways to build rapport, from informal coffee chats to helping with team events, and how small gestures can open doors to valuable insights. Finally, I highlight how being involved and supportive can increase your visibility, influence, and career opportunities within the organisation.

Chapter 12: Internal networking - Human Resources

In this episode, I discuss why building relationships with HR is crucial for accelerating your career and navigating company life effectively. I explain how HR professionals, especially business partners and those managing your programme, can influence opportunities both formally and informally. I share practical tips on engaging with them early, showing enthusiasm for your development, and keeping regular dialogue to stay front of mind when opportunities arise. Finally, I highlight how HR can provide invaluable unofficial guidance that helps you move faster and smarter within the organisation.

Chapter 13: Internal networking - Your Peers

In this episode, I talk about why building strong relationships with your peers – especially other DAs and graduates – is vital for your career development. I explain how connecting with those ahead of you gives you valuable insight into how careers progress, which departments are hiring, and where opportunities might arise. I encourage creating informal networks, such as coffee meetups or after-work events, if they don’t already exist, to strengthen these connections. Finally, I highlight how these relationships can lead to long-term career benefits, as your network grows and spreads across different companies over time.

Chapter 14: Internal networking - Everybody Else

In this episode, I emphasise the importance of networking with everyone across the organisation, not just senior leaders, HR, or your immediate peers. I explain how people you might overlook – like long-standing managers or colleagues in other teams – can have powerful connections that could benefit your career. I encourage breaking the habit of sticking only to familiar groups, instead saying hello, building LinkedIn connections, and getting involved in social, charity, or sports activities at work. Finally, I highlight how these small interactions can create unexpected opportunities and make your work life far more enjoyable and rewarding.

Chapter 16: External networking

In this episode, I explain how to build a strong LinkedIn profile and reputation to support your career development. I cover the basics, including having a professional photo, a well-written About section, and fully updated experience, projects, and awards. I also highlight the value of LinkedIn recommendations, encouraging you to exchange them with peers, line managers, and senior executives to strengthen your credibility. Finally, I suggest staying active by posting regular updates or resharing company news, which keeps you visible to your network and builds your professional presence over time.

Chapter 17: Building your profile on LinkedIn

Chapter 18: Developing your experience

In this episode, I talk about how to actively develop your experience by getting involved in both formal projects and informal initiatives. I explain how volunteering for activities – from charity events to beta testing or special company initiatives – can help you build relationships, gain valuable skills, and create strong CV points. I encourage saying “yes” where possible, as these opportunities often provide exposure to different teams and ways of working. Finally, I advise starting small, choosing a few meaningful projects, and focusing on doing them well to build your reputation and confidence.

Chapter 19: Professional bodies

In this episode, I talk about the value of joining professional bodies and industry associations to help grow your career. I explain how membership can enhance your CV and LinkedIn profile while giving you access to events, networking opportunities, and specialist learning sessions. I recommend attending these events with DA colleagues where possible and even offering to write a short report for your line manager to justify the time away from work. Finally, I highlight how these experiences can expand your knowledge, build connections across the industry, and raise your professional profile.

Chapter 20: Plan for what's next

In this episode, I attempt to focus on the importance of planning early for what comes after your DA programme rather than leaving it to chance. I explain how many people drift on autopilot, only to find themselves stuck in roles they didn’t choose because they failed to plan ahead. I encourage using your network – mentors, HR contacts, peers, and senior leaders – to explore options, ask questions, and actively shape your future. I also suggest challenging yourself to think differently, considering unexpected paths, and taking small proactive steps now to influence where you end up. Finally, I remind you that being clear and deliberate about what you want dramatically increases your chances of getting it.

Chapter 21: Closing and thank you

In this closing episode, I thank you for following along and share my genuine enthusiasm for the opportunities a DA programme offers. I explain that, while every company and manager is different, understanding the system, office politics, and human dynamics can help you make the most of it. I encourage you to take ownership of your career, keep developing yourself, and look for the best possible outcomes despite any challenges. Finally, I remind you that this course reflects my perspective, offered to help you navigate your journey more effectively, and I wish you every success in the years ahead.

If you got some value from this, buy me a coffee!