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Digital Degree Apprentice takes on ambassador role

03/08/2021

A University of Wolverhampton Degree Apprentice has shown that she is switched on to learning while she’s earning by becoming a West Midlands Young Apprentice Ambassador. 

Christa Bridges, 19 from Shrewsbury, is studying for a Digital & Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship in the University’s School of Mathematics and Computer Science and is employed by PebblePad as an Apprentice Application Developer. 

PebblePad is an award-winning Learning Journey Platform, designed to help learners develop, shape, and share their unique skills and attributes in an ever more competitive world. A global company with employees and customers on three continents, PebblePad’s headquarters is based in the e-Innovation Centre at the University’s Telford Campus building 

Christa, who has recently completed her first year of study of the four-year Apprenticeship, studies one day a week, with her learning funded through the government’s Apprenticeship Levy. 

The Young Apprentice Ambassador Network (YAAN) is a community of Apprentices and former Apprentices who are given the opportunity to connect with and motivate future Apprentices, taking part in activities, campaigns and projects in the regional network. 

Christa said: “Learning while you’re working is really beneficial because you can make an impact on real life scenarios and see how that directly benefits the customer. 

“I’m really excited to have joined YAAN and am looking forward to sharing my experiences with the network, talking at schools and colleges and helping future Apprentices start out on their career path. 

“My ambition is to become a Senior Software Developer eventually.  I feel as if I’ve grown massively compared with when I was at school and college. I’m really happy with the route I’ve taken and it’s been a really fabulous experience.” 

Andrew James, Senior Application Developer and Apprentice Supervisor at PebblePad, said: "The ed tech industry is growing and innovating quickly, as universities adopt institution-wide digital transformation strategies. At PebblePad, we're invested in supporting the development of the brightest minds and the best talent and our apprenticeship programme is just one way we're doing that. 

“Christa is a brilliant example of the talent we harness and nurture through this scheme - and our apprentices are a critical part of helping keep us innovative and in driving our Learning Journey Platform forward." 

Dr Herbert Daly, Computer Science Lecturer at the University, said: “We are incredibly proud of the initiative shown by our Apprentices and Christa is a prime example.  

“The partnership has been exceptionally successful. Companies like PebblePad are creating incredibly energetic, talented teams through this programme. We cannot stress enough the high calibre of the candidates selected. Our framework provides recognition for their achievements as their experience grows.” 

Anyone looking to study at the University of Wolverhampton should register for one of our forthcoming Open Days.  Employers interested in Degree Apprenticeships can check out the range of sectors and courses on the website. 

ENDS 

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.

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