Article | Apprenticeship proves better fit for ambitious Andrew

An apprentice who swapped university for an employee training scheme says it has set him on course for a bright career.

Andrew Murray, 25, wasn’t sure what his future held when he decided his university course in forensic science course wasn’t for him.

But an apprenticeship scheme with health technology company Optum (formerly EMIS) has renewed his enthusiasm for his dream career, combining his love of computers and more importantly, hands-on learning.

Andrew, who is a customer support analyst, helps GP practices and pharmacists resolve any issues they are having with their Optum bespoke software.

He said: “This apprenticeship has really been fantastic. I found university was very academic – we were doing all this theory but then we weren’t given the chance to apply it, so it was hard to retain the information.

“With the apprenticeship I am putting it into practice pretty much straight away, which is much more satisfying and makes you feel like you are achieving something.”

Andrew, who lives in Batley, lost faith in his university course in forensic science. But after a few months of soul searching, he hit upon the idea of finding a way to study computers without signing up for another long course.

In the end I realised academia just wasn’t the route for me. When I really thought about what I enjoyed doing and what I do on a day-to-day basis, and I realised I spend a lot of time on my computer.

“I’d not studied computer technology, but I had a natural inclination towards computers and felt I had a decent grounding – I was the designated tech person in my family and enjoyed figuring things out.

“I started looking at my options and when I hit upon apprenticeships, I realised it could be perfect. I knew I had to go back to square one and start at the beginning with my education so training on the job was perfect!"

The apprenticeship has been brilliant, I’ve also felt much more supported here than I was at university.

"I was in a bit of a rough spot mentally after I finished but that’s improved massively, I’m in a better space in terms of my mental health, I feel more supported, and I’ve been earning a wage so I’ve been able to pay for things and see my friends more."

“The key thing for me was recognising that university wasn’t right and finding something that would suit me better.”

At the end of his apprenticeship Andrew will become a full time Optum employee with a Level 2 apprenticeship.

He added: “We’ve been treated really well at Optum. As apprentices we came in alongside staff who were employed full time, and we were treated as equals. The only difference is that we do this training alongside it and will get a qualification at the end of it."

I really feel like Optum took a chance on me. I spent four years at university and came out with nothing, so I felt like a lot of employers were just writing me off. But with Optum they recognised my skills and gave me a chance.

Jody Dennison, Group Service Desk Quality, Training and Induction Lead at Optum, says apprenticeships work both ways for employee and employer.

She said: “Andrew has absolutely thrived here at Optum. It’s changed his life, he has a living wage, he’s learning, and he’s getting the support he needs to have a fantastic career."

“The good thing about apprenticeships is that it’s not just entry level, you can go on to study for senior management roles, so you can further your career to a high level – who knows what Andrew will do next!?

Apprenticeships combine real work with training and study. Apprentices earn a wage and do not need to pay tuition, making it a sensible option for people who can’t afford to study full time.

Jody added: “I’d love to take on more apprentices. You don’t always know what you are getting – some are 16 and straight out of school and others are 36 wanting to try something new, but it’s always worth taking a chance because it can be fantastic for both them and your department, and ultimately the business.”