SYSTRA is a world-leading engineering and consulting group specialising in public transport and mobility solutions.

We spoke to Lorraine West, Corporate Image Coordinator at SYSTRA , who shared the benefits of using the apprenticeship levy to upskill one of their employees. Maryam is currently completing the Creative and Digital Design degree apprenticeship.

Why did you choose to recruit a degree apprentice?

Digital media is fast evolving so it’s important that we stay ahead of industry trends. Having a degree apprentice on board has allowed us to keep pace with change and implement best practice. It’s also enabled us to grow our own talent from scratch to suit our business needs.

Which area of the business does your apprentice work in?

Our apprentice, Maryam, is employed within our consultancy team as a graphic designer. She produces high-quality marketing collateral, working with our project teams to transform deliverables into eye-catching materials.

What benefits have you seen from the degree apprenticeship?

Degree apprenticeships are important to us as they provide our employees with a mixture of on-the-job and classroom learning.

Maryam has applied her university knowledge to her role, allowing her to develop strong skills within a short period of time. Through her studies she’s gained a wider understanding of the commercial setting her works sits within and is able to see how it all fits together.

What successes has your degree apprentice achieved?

Maryam’s apprenticeship allowed her to hit the ground quickly. After only six months of training, we were able to throw her into the deep end - she gleaned her own client base from our Leeds office and kept projects running smoothly while I was on annual leave.

She’s also had an influence on our staff training. She used what she’d learnt on her course to teach InDesign skills to other employees, delivering training and designing templates for around 20 staff members.

What would you say to other businesses considering higher and degree apprenticeships?

Do it. Young people bring so much enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the team. If you’re a levy payer, it’s a very cost-effective way to upskill your employees.

Would you recommend Sheffield Hallam University? If so, why?

Yes definitely - Sheffield Hallam are very easy to work with. We’ve found the University very proactive, and they always deliver on their promises. They provide support all the way through the recruitment process and have been very helpful whenever we’ve needed to contact them.