含羞草社区

shines a spotlight on the vital role apprenticeships play in developing talent, strengthening businesses and supporting the future of key industries.

By combining paid employment with academic study, apprenticeships offer a practical route to gaining recognised qualifications while building real-world experience from day one.

At 含羞草社区, our apprenticeships span specialist areas including food production, veterinary sciences, land-based industries and the environment, designed in partnership with industry to ensure apprentices develop the technical expertise, professional skills and practical insight employers need.

To explore what this journey looks like in practice, we spoke to Leila Ashton, from Wigan, about her experience so far.

"I’m currently in the third year of my Rural Chartered Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship with  in Knutsford, where we specialise in utilities and infrastructure including large scale renewable energy projects including solar and wind, cable routes, British waterways, telecommunications and valuations.”

When asked about why she opted for the apprenticeship route, she said: “I’ve always preferred 'doing’ over just ‘studying.’ I knew full-time university wasn't the right fit because I wanted to develop my professional skills in real-time.

“One huge benefit to an apprenticeship which I think most people will agree with is the no student debt element. For me, the idea of earning money whilst gaining a degree and five years of industry experience is great.”

The apprenticeship route was perfect for Leila as it allowed her to gain real experience in a constantly adapting environment.

“Every day is different as an apprentice. I mainly assist the Managing Director with her day-to-day work. This could consist of assisting with legal agreements, attending meetings with clients and landowners and site visits which could include doing GPS work, soil samples, boundary marking and cable route walks.

“One of the most rewarding parts of my time at FGP has been my personal growth. We now have six other apprentices in their first and second years.

“Over the last 18 months, I’ve stepped into a mentorship role, helping them navigate their professional work and studies. My communication and leadership skills have grown more than I ever expected.

“My favourite thing about being an apprentice is the balance of working and studying. The three weeks I have in the office I really enjoy because it is quite fast-paced, and FGP cover a lot of different areas within the utilities and infrastructure business and so my experience covers a wide range of areas.

“When I go to Harper, I find that I can then focus on studying, and the lectures and practical tutorials are extremely engaging. What surprised me is how well I fit in with everyone on my course. As I am not from an agricultural background, I was quite worried at the start about not fitting in with everyone, but within the first week I formed amazing friendships with everyone on the course.

“I think the practical experience that you get at Harper Adams such as the farm visits, crop walks and trips to nearby estates and farms all put what we learn in lectures into something we can all see for ourselves and visualise in the real world.”

Employer insight is vital in shaping relevant, forward-thinking courses that truly reflect the demands of the sectors providers like Harper Adams serve – and Leila is a keen advocate for apprenticeships to any firm considering the route.

Leila said: “For employers, it is a great opportunity to encourage younger people to work in the industry and have a motivated and dedicated workforce.”

Despite balancing working life with studies, Leila still feels she gets the chance to be involved in the busy student life which Harper Adams has to offer.

“One of my most asked questions is ‘Do I still get a social life when doing an apprenticeship?’

“The answer to that is yes! You still get to attend student union nights, take part in socials and sports and go to events such as summer ball and Christmas ball. You get the head start in your career – without losing out on any of the fun.”

Leila’s advice for anyone considering if an apprenticeship, or university in general, is right for them, is: “I always tell those aspiring to do an apprenticeship to gain some work experience. Whether that is a day, week or month, employers always value those that have put themselves out there and shown a keen interest in the industry.

“Completing a degree, whether that’s full time or through an apprenticeship, is not for everyone! As long as you do something that you enjoy and have a passion for, that is all that matters.”

You can find out more information about the Apprenticeship routes we offer here.