David Sinclair is advancing his career at SAS International thanks to University of the West of Scotland’s Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) in Business Management.
By combining academic learning with real-time practical experience in the workplace, the University’s GA programmes deliver industry-relevant skills and qualifications. GAs are developed in partnership with employers to ensure that the learning is relevant to industry and that apprentices can apply their learning in the workplace immediately.
David (pictured), who is a Manufacturing Engineer, has been employed by SAS International, which is a market leading manufacturer of metal ceilings, for 15 years and is now in the 2nd year of his Business Management GA.
He chose this GA as it offered the opportunity to combine working towards achieving an Honours level degree in Business Management while continuing in his role at SAS. In his current role, David project manages the introduction of new manufacturing machinery and processes. He has responsibility for every stage of the process from identifying machinery that best fits business need to the final handover to production.
Commenting on the GA David said: “Having previously completed an Engineering MA, I was familiar with the apprenticeship model and was attracted by the GA as it aligns academic studies with day-to-day work. The emphasis on online delivery and tailored work-based learning complements my learning style and allows me to balance work, study and life commitments.”
“In the longer term, I aspire to move into a more senior management role and the Business Management GA will give me both the breadth and depth of knowledge, skills and understanding to support such a move.”
Investing in workforce development through the GA offers an effective model for achieving business goals. David is a shining example of how support to gain professional management skills is enhancing his ability to deliver project-based business improvements.
David's work based learning required him to identify a project which would allow him to apply his academic learning for the benefit of the business. He identified an opportunity to increase production of a new product to meet increased customer demand.
As a direct result of David’s project the firm has made a significant financial investment to create a bespoke manufacturing cell onsite in Ayrshire.
David aspires to have moved into a management position by the time he completes his degree and there is no doubt that his participation in the GA programme is supporting this ambition.
Graduate Apprenticeships offer a chance for apprentices to work with leading employers whilst studying for an Honours Degree at UWS. The UWS Graduate Apprenticeship BA (Hons) Business Management is delivered through a combination of work-based learning and online study. Work-based learning accounts for more than half of the degree. The Business Management GA degree programme provides apprentices with the knowledge, understanding, and skills required to be a successful professional in a wide variety of Business environments.
To find out more about BA (Hons) Business Management visit our website or email apprenticeships@uws.ac.uk
Last updated: 13/02/2024