Graduate Apprentice discusses their “Skills For Life” as part of National Apprenticeship Week

Graduate Apprentices across the UK are being celebrated this month as part of National Apprenticeship week, which takes place from 6 to 12 February.

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is an opportunity for the education and skills sector to celebrate the achievements of apprentices around the country and the positive impact they make to communities, businesses, and the wider economy.

This year’s theme focuses on “Skills for Life” which reflects on how apprenticeships can help individuals develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career in their field.

Third year Graduate Apprentice in Engineering (Design & Manufacture) Adil Qamar spoke about his role at Resideo, which develops automated home solutions, and how his chosen route has helped him develop the necessary skills to succeed in his career.

Adil, who works for the technical development team, spoke of his background and how it led him to choose a Graduate Apprenticeship at Glasgow Caledonian University:

What made you decide to apply towards your Graduate Apprenticeship?

“My goal was to get a degree, but I didn’t know how to get there as the full-time study route wasn’t for me. I was stuck on how to get to my desired destination, but after chatting with Skills Development Scotland, I was introduced to the Graduate Apprenticeship programme. I instantly knew it was for me.

I came into this apprenticeship role keen on gaining hands-on work experience within the industry while gaining a university degree. Resideo appealed to me as an employer as they are a well-respected and longstanding company within the products and solutions industry. The progression and development opportunities offered by Resideo matched my ambitions, which made this apprenticeship very attractive.”

Tell us a bit about the sort of work that you do there, how do you manage the study/work balance for example?

“My role at Resideo is as an engineering team member as part of a technical development team. I am involved in developing, delivering, and supporting features from start to finish within the full range of products.

I have worked hard over the past two years to develop myself personally and professionally to become an efficient member of the Engineering department at Resideo. I have gained technical skills, such as using computer-aided design (CAD) software and confidently using data management systems. Furthermore, I have developed my people skills well as I have proved I can work effectively and efficiently as part of larger, multi-disciplinary project teams.

Balancing study and work have been a key aspect of my apprenticeship experience. I have been able to balance the demands of my job with my academic studies, which has helped me to maintain a positive work-life balance. I am grateful for the support I have received from my colleagues and mentors, who have been instrumental in helping me navigate this challenge.”

This year’s National Apprentice Week is all about “Skills For Life” and how the skills you learn help equip you for a rewarding career. At this stage of your GA, how do you feel that the knowledge you have learned has helped prepare you so far?

“So far, my apprenticeship has been a huge help in getting me ready for a successful career. I've learned by doing actual work in my field, which has given me a better understanding of the industry and made me better at my job.

I have also been so fortunate to have a supportive network of mentors and colleagues who have shared their experiences and offered guidance and feedback along the way. All these experiences have helped me grow my skills and knowledge and made me feel more confident about my future. I know what I've learned will continue to benefit me as I move forward in my career.”

Find out more about the Graduate Apprenticeship in Engineering (Design & Manufacture) course on the Glasgow Caledonian University webpage

By Rachael McAlonan

Got a SCEBE or GSBS story? Email me at Rachael.McAlonan@gcu.ac.uk or connect with me on social media  here