Switching Paths: How a Degree Apprenticeship Changed My Future

From Law Lectures to Building Sites

Ciaran Wilson, 23, from Swindon, is in his second year of a degree apprenticeship with the housebuilder Bellway. But his university journey didn’t start in construction.

While studying law at Royal Holloway University, Ciaran realised the course wasn’t the right fit for him. He wasn’t enjoying his studies and started to wonder what else was out there.

A Friend’s Advice That Sparked a New Idea

The turning point came after a conversation with a school friend. His friend was doing a degree apprenticeship as a quantity surveyor—a role that manages costs and budgets on construction projects—and was clearly passionate about his work.

“The way he was talking about his job, I could see he was interested and engaged with work,” Ciaran recalled. Inspired, he decided to take a similar route.

What Is a Degree Apprenticeship?

In September 2024, Ciaran began his apprenticeship with Bellway’s South West division in Bristol. The programme is a unique mix:

• Academic Study: Working towards a full university degree.
• Hands-On Work: Gaining real experience at a major company, with a salary from day one.

Learning in the Real World

For Ciaran, the biggest advantage is seeing theory come to life instantly. “I can learn something in a lecture and then see it in reality,” he said. “I can come to work and say I understand it.”

This practical approach has also improved his academic work. “My essays are much stronger, and I feel better about them and have a greater understanding,” he explained. He believes the combination gives him “more overall knowledge” than a traditional degree alone.

The Support That Makes the Difference

Ciaran gives high praise to his team at Bellway, including Managing Surveyor Kevin Reape and other senior quantity surveyors. “Everyone in my team is really good and they help me out,” he said.

He feels this level of direct, workplace support is a key benefit of an apprenticeship. “I feel like you wouldn’t get that from just doing a degree,” he noted.

A Message to Others

Ciaran wants more people to know that degree apprenticeships are a powerful, valid alternative to university. “I feel there needs to be more emphasis that a degree apprenticeship is as valuable as a normal degree,” he stated.

His story shows that it’s okay to change your mind and that combining study with work can lead to a more engaged, confident, and skilled future.
Image Credit: www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk