Apprentices

We recognise that some apprentices have a permanent professional role on completion or are upskilling in a current role. Not all careers advice is geared to finding a new job, it can also provide help to progress further or more quickly in your current organisation / profession. 

To complement the existing professional development advice and opportunities available to you on your programme, we offer a professional and impartial Careers and Employability Service for all students up to three years after you graduate. We provide a safe space for you to get practical advice and support. We offer a range of digital resources & learning opportunities designed to support you in your professional development and career progression. 

We offer:  

• Online and face-to-face appointments with an adviser 

• Feedback on CVs, applications & personal statements 

• Interview practice and tips on improving your techniques 

• Access to careers events, workshops, skills development Pathways and career resources 

• Practical advice & feedback on developing your professional networks 

To book an appointment, practice interview, get feedback on your CV or send us a query go to My Career Enriched.  

Although your degree apprenticeship may offer a defined career path, managing your career effectively is still important. It can help you advance in your current role and achieve long-term success in your professional journey.  

Career management involves understanding your strengths, interests, values, and development areas. This knowledge will help you to make more informed decisions about your career. Setting achievable career goals can provide you with direction and keeps you motivated and focused. Networking and continuous learning are also essential, as they open doors to new opportunities and help keep your skills relevant and competitive.  

From skills assessments and personality tests to career action plans, there are lots of ways you can begin to manage your career effectively. Here are some helpful resources to help get you started: 

the-5-minute-career-action-plan.pdf 

Career Planner | What job should I do? | Prospects.ac.uk 

Home | Discover your skills and careers | National Careers Service 

Career Test: What Career is Right for Me Quiz?   

Free Personality Test | 16Personalities 

Continuous learning: Boost your skills and career success | Indeed.com UK 

Networking: tips to help your career | National Careers Service 

Pathways 

If you prefer interactive e-learning , these short courses from TargetJobs are ideal. Click on the links below to set up your account and get started.

How to generate new career ideas 

How to develop a strong personal brand  

How to build connections on LinkedIn for career success 

As an apprentice you have the opportunity to develop not only your technical skills but also your soft skills such as communication, team work, commercial awareness and problem solving skills in real-world situations. While you work and study you can apply these skills to benefit your professional development. Skill development is an ongoing process and every experience is an opportunity for us to learn and grow. There are a number of ways you can develop your soft skills whilst at university, work and beyond.  

Here are some resources to help you get a start on boosting your skills to help your career development: 

Skill Assessment 

Try the skills assessment on My Career Enriched to help you to reflect on your current skill level across a range of soft skills.  

Pathways 

Pathways are free online learning modules and cover a range of skill areas including; critical thinking, resilience, interpersonal skills and more.  To access Pathways go to: https://mycareerenriched.cumbria.ac.uk/ 

You can access additional pathways on the Targetjobs website.

Linkedin Learning 

As a student of UoC, you have access to 10,000+ free digital learning courses via Linkedin Learning. The courses are taught by industry experts and cover a wide range of business, creative and technical topics. New courses are added regularly and teaching the leading-edge skills you need to stay up-to-date. To access the courses go to Linkedin Learning | MyCumbria 

Networking is an important skill involving effective communication, managing relationships and being professional. It's about building connections that can support your career growth and development. Employers appreciate networking skills because they help maintain positive workplace relationships and so developing your network while you study towards your apprenticeship can have many benefits.  

In practice, networking means reaching out to individuals or organisations that can help you professionally. This can be done in person or online through platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter (X). Networking is about being proactive and nurturing your connections over a period of time.  

There are many ways in which you can develop your professional network while you study and after you graduate. Have a look at the following resources for more networking advice: 

Prospects Video:  Networking Tips for Students 

Networking: tips to help your career | National Careers Service 

Tips to maintain a positive social media reputation 

How to online network in 2025 | Secure your dream role | Prospects.ac.uk 

Cumbria Network 

Put your networking skills to good use by joining Cumbria Network – the mentoring and networking platform exclusive to University of Cumbria. Here, you can network with new people, seek a mentor, as well as share skills, knowledge, and unique insights. It's a great way to expand your professional network and get advice that could help develop you professionally.  

Register for the Cumbria Network here: https://cumbrianetwork.global/