I am Bradlee Hodgson and at the age of 18 I have just started my journey on the Workplace Degree Programme at Applegate marketplace. This opportunity was a no brainer for me as I have always known that university life wouldn’t suit me personally as I didn’t want to move away from my family and didn’t want the debt. The apprenticeship scheme works so well for me as I can earn while I learn.
The degree I will achieve is a Bachelors of Science (Hons) in Business and Management, this is perfect for me as I have always enjoyed learning and studying business throughout GCSES and A-Levels. I knew I wanted to go into business not only because I enjoy this subject, but because I was offered work experience by a business in the local area due to my GCSE success which culminated in me achieving the Flint Hosts award. After this work experience placement, it enabled me to establish that business was the industry I wanted to learn more about and pursue a lifelong career in. The apprenticeship scheme will give me the opportunity to gain 5 years invaluable work experience as well as obtaining a degree, which will definitely help me to prepare for a future in the business sector.
I am currently part of the buyer management team where I am responsible for managing a pool of buyers to encourage them to become repeat users of our system. As well as this I have just started my degree studies which is both exciting but nerve racking. After completing the degree apprenticeship at Applegate, I hope to stay at the business having specialised in an area I am suited to.
Outside of work, my main hobby is football. Unlike my previous job I get weekends and evenings off so I can fit in late night training sessions as well as matches on the weekends. Ultimately even though I have a full-time job with responsibilities and study part time, I can still find the time to do the things I love, which is exactly what I was looking for when I was leaving school.