A North East digital apprentice has secured a promotion during her studies after helping inspire young people in the region.
Jodie Stewart, a Digital Technology Solutions Professional apprentice at the University of Sunderland, has been promoted to Business Analyst at Northumbrian Water during her second year of studies.
Her progression comes during National Apprenticeship Week and highlights the impact of the University’s apprenticeship programmes.
Ms Stewart said: "I had already attended a year of university to become a primary school teacher and I decided that that wasn't the right career for me.
"It was when I was working in a co-working space for tech companies and startups, I found what they were doing really interesting.
"So when I found this apprenticeship, I thought it was absolutely perfect because you get to see so many different teams and departments that cover so many aspects of digital solutions."
During her apprenticeship, she also helped deliver the Young Citizens Work Experience Festival, organised by Northumbrian Water, which aims to inspire Year 10 students from across the region and learn valuable skills that go beyond the classroom.
Ms Stewart said: "I got the opportunity to help project manage the festival with the innovation team and while working on it, I was responsible for helping organise it, creating agendas, looking at partners, as well as getting sponsorship for it.
"The sort of skills that young people were getting out of it are so important for their future careers – skills like strategy, timekeeping, reflection, collaboration, creativity, resilience, problem solving, innovation and sustainability.
"So it was great to be part of."
The University’s Digital Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship offers six specialisms, including software engineering, IT consulting, business analysis, cybersecurity, data analysis, and network engineering.
Louise Patterson, head of IS operations and resource management at Northumbrian Water, said: "Jodie truly reflects what our apprenticeship scheme is all about; her drive, curiosity and willingness to immerse herself across different digital teams, which has not only accelerated her own development but also made a real impact here at Northumbrian Water.
"We’re incredibly proud of her progression and the positive impact she’s had across the region and excited to see where her talent and determination will take her next."
Ms Stewart credits the combination of learning and practical experience with supporting her professional growth.
She said: "With university, you have so many different modules covering a vast amount of subjects which helps you have a general understanding of different digital skills.
"It has really supported the role and the way I work which has made me more flexible and agile.
"It’s really grown my confidence and helped me apply for this new role.
"University has given me a head start to do that because of the experience I've had there."
The University of Sunderland launched its higher and degree apprenticeships in 2017 and now partners with more than 150 organisations.
Nearly 1,000 apprentices are currently enrolled across a range of programmes.
Paul Graham, programme leader for the Digital Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship, said: "It is great to see that one of our apprentices, Jodie, has gained a promotion.
"Jodie is a great apprentice who is doing very well in her studies at the University as well as in the workplace."
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