MGISS, one of the UK’s leading geospatial technology companies, have experienced the value that Degree Apprenticeships bring, with marketeer Luke O'Callaghan graduating with a BA (Hons) Digital Marketing Degree Apprenticeship.
MGISS, a multi-award-winning company based in Liverpool advises organisations in the smart use of geospatial data and technologies. The company recently experienced first-hand the value Degree Apprenticeships can bring when staff member Luke O’Callaghan graduated from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) with a first-class honours in Digital Marketing.
The structure of the course meant that Luke was able to work at MGISS from Monday to Thursday, with Friday being the studying day where he would go to campus or complete lectures virtually, completing assignments and tasks in his own time. Getting the balance right was difficult at times, managing time between being a full-time employee as well as a student and having student workloads. However, MGISS were extremely understanding of his situation, realising he had deadlines and commitments to the University. The course studied over three years provided value to the company almost instantly as Luke was able to apply newly learnt skills directly into the workplace.
"I felt supported by both course leader and employer throughout and didn’t at any point feel like the pressure got to me as I was able to communicate to both parties openly and honestly."
— Luke O’Callaghan, Digital Marketing Degree Apprenticeship graduate
Discussions and presentations in class helped Luke become a more all-rounded marketer and he is now better able to communicate and contribute in a much more rounded way in terms of strategy and planning. The nature of the course has also seen Luke implement ideas, and theories back into the business in real-time. This developed a lot of character-building skills such as organisation, communication, and confidence. Luke said: “Having the confidence to take ideas from the course and implement them in day-to-day work is an excellent way to develop especially as a young marketeer.”
His experiences studying required a lot of hard work and effort but were rewarding. Luke added: “I felt supported by both course leader and employer throughout and didn’t at any point feel like the pressure got to me as I was able to communicate to both parties openly and honestly.”
"The process of applying and liaising with UCLan has been very easy. This allowed the business to be kept informed of how well Luke was doing on the course."
— Kate Darracott, MGISS Director and Office Manager
Director and Office Manager Kate Darracott spoke highly of the experience of working with UCLan. “The process of applying and liaising with UCLan has been very easy. The admin team have been excellent communicators and the regular sessions with Luke, MGISS and the mentors have been effective and informative. This allowed the business to be kept informed of how well Luke was doing on the course. The ability for Luke to complete his degree without incurring tuition fees is a massive bonus and one which is no doubt attractive to many aspiring degree apprentices.
Luke provided some useful advice for anyone considering a Degree Apprenticeship. “Maintain as much transparency as possible between your employers and the University. I think as long as you’re honest with how you’re coping with the balance and the workload, you will receive the support you need from both ends.”
