Arron and Lucy are the parents juggling full-time work with studying part-time Chartered Manager/BA Professional Practice in Management degree apprenticeships. Lucy works as a team leader and dispenser for a pharmacy and Arron works as a branch manager for Keyline, part of the Travis Perkins Group.

"I was at a crossroads in my career where I felt that I had become comfortable in what I was doing, so I needed a change."

Arron: "Having a small child while studying can be challenging, but to gain a degree at my age, at little cost, while maintaining a full-time role is a win-win opportunity for me.

"The knowledge I have taken onboard over the last 3 years is of immeasurable value to me as a professional and also to the organisation which I work in. 

"Remembering that the skills I have are transferable, tailored to real world application and are highly attractive to new and prospective employers alike. From strategic planning and change management through to data analysis and management accounting.

"The ability to attend modules and then return to the workplace and actually understand why decisions are made, how to leverage emotional intelligence and the ability to have meaningful and valuable input to senior leadership teams has been the most exciting take away.

"I am certain I would not have pursued a lifelong aim of achieving a degree level qualification, this has undoubtedly increased my future potential and immediate employability and attractiveness to organisations within my industry."

Lucy: "I was at a crossroads in my career where I felt that I had become comfortable in what I was doing, so I needed a change. A degree apprenticeship meant I could carry on earning, gain valuable experience and push myself to get a qualification. 

"I was almost 30 when I started, with a new house and wedding planning, so I didn’t feel like I could study without a wage. Since I've had my son, I do most of my studying in the evenings. I managed to get Arron  to sign up to the degree a year after me, so we are able to support each other through it!

"Hallam have been very supportive. I have found the course leaders and the student support team to be invaluable. I needed to move cohorts after my maternity leave and that was fully supported."

"My mentor, who is the Managing Director of the pharmacy, gives me opportunities to do tasks and experience things that are outside of my normal job role and will help with the course. It has been interesting to learn in theory and then be able to relate it immediately to real life."

"Going back to the workplace, understanding more and feeling like I can be included in discussions and decisions where I can be heard and gain feedback from my mentor, has made me feel more valuable at work."