by Ella Ciampi
Balancing work, education, and personal life can be a challenge for anyone, but as a degree apprentice, it takes on a whole new level of complexity. You’re not just studying for a degree — you’re working a full-time job, fulfilling academic responsibilities, and trying to maintain a healthy personal life all at once.
In this article, I’ll share my experience managing these demands, the challenges I’ve faced, and how I’ve learned to balance my role at EPIX, my studies at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), and life outside work and school.
What is a Degree Apprenticeship?
A degree apprenticeship is a unique combination of work and education. Unlike a traditional university student, you split your time between the workplace and university. You get the practical, real-life work experience from your job and the theoretical knowledge from your studies.
In my case, my apprenticeship is with Manchester Metropolitan University, and I work as part of the customer support and management teams at EPIX. Typically, you spend around 80% of your time working and only 20% in formal education, so most of your learning happens on the job. What sets a degree apprenticeship apart is that you earn a salary while you study, and your tuition is funded through apprenticeship schemes, so there’s no need for student loans.
No exams, just assignments
For my program, I’m assessed through assignments rather than exams. The degree is broken down into two parts:
- Core Competencies (Knowledge, Skills & Behaviours – KSBs): these are the practical elements that you demonstrate on the job.
- Assignments: these can range from creative projects, such as posters or presentations, to more traditional academic reports.
The great thing about this structure is that, unlike exams, assignments can be worked on progressively. Plus, at work, I’m entitled to 20% of my time for training and development, which gives me time to focus on my university assignments.
The benefits of being a Degree Apprentice
One of the big perks of being a degree apprentice is that you get the best of both worlds — annual leave like a regular employee and student discounts like a full-time student. This combination makes it easier to take time off to recharge when needed while still enjoying the financial perks that come with student status. Whether it’s getting discounts on software or eating out on a budget, it definitely helps ease the strain of juggling multiple responsibilities.
The challenges of managing work and study
Being a degree apprentice means that I have to constantly switch between roles. Some weeks, I’m working full time, others I’m at university for two days (like last year), but the schedule often changes. It’s a balancing act that, at first glance, might seem chaotic to others — like my dad, who doesn’t always get why I work even during ‘school holidays’.
When I’m not at university, I’m at work, and during particularly busy periods, it can feel overwhelming. One moment I’m deep into a customer support project at EPIX, and the next, I’m writing an assignment. During term time, when both work and study are in full swing, it can feel like my laptop and I become one. It can be hard to juggle the constant back and forth, especially when both work tasks and university deadlines start to pile up.
One Work-Life Balance Strategy: embrace the chaos
One way I’ve managed to survive is by embracing the occasional chaos. During particularly busy weeks, my home can become a bit of a mess. But that’s okay. When an assignment is due, everything else falls by the wayside. My routine typically involves handing in the assignment, celebrating with a glass of wine and a Wagamama’s and then cleaning up the inevitable clutter that’s accumulated in the process.
Living alone definitely helps — I don’t have anyone to inconvenience with the mess.This strategy of embracing the mess helps me focus on what’s important during those intense periods, and once it’s over, I take time to reset.
Balancing act: what works for me
The key to surviving as a degree apprentice is finding a balance between your work, studies, and personal life. It’s not easy, but here are a few tactics that have worked for me:
1. Breaking down assignments into stages
When it comes to university assignments, I like to break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This not only helps me stay organised but also makes big projects feel less overwhelming. For example, I divide the assignment into stages, like research, drafting, and editing, and then assign time blocks for each stage. I spread these tasks across both my work and personal calendars, depending on the time available. This system ensures I’m making steady progress without letting everything pile up at the last minute.
2. Setting boundaries
It’s essential to set clear boundaries between work, study, and personal time. I’ve made it a priority to separate these areas to prevent work from overlapping with my study or personal life. This helps me stay focused and avoid burnout, ensuring each part of my day gets the attention it needs.
3. Knowing when to step away
As a manager at EPIX, I understand how important it is to refuel. Sometimes, stepping away from an assignment or work task is the best thing you can do for productivity. I’ve found that going for a walk, working out, cooking dinner, or simply doing something else for a while helps reset my brain and gives me fresh energy to tackle the next task. Giving myself permission to pause has been key in maintaining balance and avoiding burnout.
4. Utilising work time for study
One of the perks of being a degree apprentice is the built-in training time. At EPIX, I’m allowed to dedicate 20% of my work hours to training, which includes working on university assignments.
5. Support networks
The support I receive from both MMU and my workplace is invaluable. The lecturers at MMU are incredibly supportive when it comes to assignments. They schedule workshops to offer one-on-one guidance, which has helped me immensely when tackling particularly tricky assignments. At EPIX, my managers understand the demands of my degree, and they provide the support needed to balance both responsibilities effectively.
6. Rewards and rest
It’s crucial to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. After submitting an assignment, I always treat myself to a takeaway and some me-time (this often takes place at the Trafford centre). Making time for personal rewards and self-care is vital for maintaining long-term motivation.
7. Staying Organised
With the constant juggling of tasks, staying organised is essential. I use a combination of Jira and my calendar to keep track of assignments, work projects, and personal tasks. This ensures that nothing slips through the cracks and helps me prioritise when multiple deadlines are approaching.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint
Being a degree apprentice isn’t easy. You’re constantly switching between being an employee and a student, all while trying to maintain some semblance of a personal life. But the experience is incredibly rewarding. The practical skills I’ve gained at EPIX, combined with the academic knowledge from MMU, have prepared me for a career in ways that a traditional university route might not have.
Managing work-life balance as a degree apprentice is all about embracing flexibility, setting boundaries, and knowing when to give yourself a break. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and while it may feel overwhelming at times, the long-term benefits – both professionally and personally – are worth it.
