Studying while earning

Today we look at degree apprenticeships. These are available at levels 6 and 7 and are equivalent to full Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees. We talked with two of our degree apprentices to see what they enjoy about their roles. 

This week we’re celebrating National Apprenticeship Week by shining a light on some of our brilliant apprentices from around the organisation. Follow #NAW2024 on Workplace to meet other apprentices and see what vacancies we have on offer.  

Today we’re chatting with the talented Benjamin Green and Olivia Mendel Portnoy, to learn about their experiences as Royal Mail degree apprentices. 

Benjamin’s journey with Royal Mail started with a Level 4 Degree Apprenticeship, and is now undertaking his Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship. He is currently working as Lead Planner on the Project Management team. 

Olivia completed her Level 7 Senior Leadership Apprenticeship with distinction and is currently working as a Process Simplification Analyst. Her journey through the program was marked by dedication and resilience, equipping her with a robust set of skills that set her apart in the field of leadership. 

Read on to hear about their experiences, and click here to see a video of Olivia talking about what an apprenticeship means to her. 

Can you describe your education journey for us? 

Benjamin 

'After completing my school journey at 18, I took two years working in hospitality and travelling the globe. This was all prior to joining Royal Mail for the Level 4 Project Management apprenticeship at age 20. After completing my Level 4 Project Management apprenticeship at age 22, this gave me a great foundation to apply for the Level 6 Apprenticeship- alongside my APM Project Management Qualification.'

Why did you choose an apprenticeship at Royal Mail? 

Olivia 

'Having an additional accredited qualification is never a bad thing to possess. It was a chance to do both on and off the job learning that would boost the skills required for me to be my best self at work and progress in my role.'

Benjamin 

'Royal Mail is seen as a great employer, both in terms of view in the public eye but also online as they are a fair, good and diverse employer, winning regular employment rewards. During the interview and assessment stages there were incredibly positive testimonials from previous candidates who had undertaken the course. At the time, I wanted to move to London and the course I chose was exclusive to London, this opened the opportunity for me to move to another city. The course also had an earlier application process than others, so at the time there was less competition to choose from.'

What are some of the skills you have gained from your apprenticeship and how do you apply them to your role? 

Olivia 

'My apprenticeship covered several topics from leadership and people management skills, to strategic and change management as well as financial management. It equipped me with the skills and knowledge needed to be a strong leader within my organisation here at Royal Mail. This set me up for my current role which requires a lot of stakeholder, relationship, and project management. The frameworks I have encountered and skills I have developed on my apprenticeship have helped me to hone my approach to each unique task and project that I encounter.'

Benjamin 

'The project management apprenticeship teaches 29 skills and knowledge-based competencies, from conflict resolution to procurement, to risk management. Combining the textbook theory with the challenges of the real world and the uniqueness of Royal Mail has hugely aided my ability as a project manager. This has given my senior the confidence to allow me to deploy substantial change initiatives and influence strategic decisions. The beauty of an apprenticeship is you can merge theory with real life.'

What are some of your career goals and how has Royal Mail helped you achieve them? 

Olivia 

'The main things I want from my career are: 

1. to do something that I enjoy 

2. to have opportunities to learn, grow and eventually progress  

3. to have a work/life balance. When I applied for a role at Royal Mail, I wasn't sure what exactly I wanted to do. Joining Royal Mail's graduate scheme enabled me to experience a few roles within the business and discover what best suits my abilities and needs. I am now in a role that I love, and I could not be happier.' 

Thank you to Olivia and Benjamin for all your hard work and for taking the time to share your experience!    

Interested in learning more about our apprenticeships? Visit Early Careers (royalmailgroup.com) for more information.