SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Employees looking to progress their careers in science and engineering have been handed a unique opportunity to ‘learn while they work’ at the University of Greenwich’s historic Medway Campus in Chatham.

On Thursday, August 30, the campus will host two application evenings specifically for those wanting to undertake Degree Apprenticeships and potential students thinking about part-time courses.

A form of studying for a degree which does not require a student loan, the application evening for Higher and Degree Apprenticeships is geared towards employers and prospective apprentices seeking a work-based learning option to gain a qualification.

There is also the added benefit of gaining important work experience and a full-time wage.

The course is based on the University of Greenwich’s three to five year programme which enables degree apprentices being based 80% of their time in the workplace doing the role they are training for.

The remaining 20% is put aside for teaching, whether it’s a day release to university, remote learning or independent study.

“Undertaking a Chemistry degree apprenticeship at the University of Greenwich has been an amazing experience,” said chemistry degree apprentice Hannah Dunning.

“The lecturers are really approachable and helpful and the other students are really friendly. Everyone tries to be as helpful as possible and the lecturers and students have provided and continue to provide a very welcoming environment.

“I hope to gain more knowledge as well as develop the skills I already have”.

The Part Time degrees application evening, meanwhile, has been designed with undergraduates in mind, who are looking to study around existing work or family commitments.

Applicants can fund their degrees privately to develop their own personal career aspirations.

But there is also the option for applicant’s employer to fund their qualification and allow them time to study at the campus.

Those interested in the part-time course and who wish to submit an application during the event at Medway Campus must bring their qualifications with them (including their most recent transcript) and a letter from their employer stating their support.

Employers are welcome to accompany any applicants.

“Studying here has helped me understand product design, thermodynamics, material engineering and mechanical dynamics,” added mechanical engineering student Connor Felstead.

“In terms of engineering, they are one of the leaders in the country.”

Others like GP hopeful and biology student Sophie Hygate want to apply the knowledge from their time at Medway Campus to help others.

“The course is really interesting. I am in both labs and lectures and its very varied which is something that I find very appealing.

“I’ve gained so much from studying there and made lots of friends.”

The Medway Campus is enriched in naval history with the building’s red brick exterior a reminder of its days as a renowned Royal Navy base.

Today, the campus boasts an 8,000sq m state-of-the-art laboratory while another feature is the the Drill Hall Library - a learning resource centre with over 150,000 books and 400 computers.