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Meet Krushma, 21, from Coventry. Find out about her job as a Level 6 chartered manager degree apprentice at Aston Martin. Part of our Bitesize world of work series.

What do you do in your apprenticeship?

As apprentices we have the opportunity to explore and rotate around various areas of the business – to understand how commercial functions operate, and learn how business management concepts and theories can be applied within the workplace. So far, I have rotated into our human resources, procurement, sales and brand marketing teams. We do 20% ‘off the job’ training one day a week, to study. I am working towards my degree in Business Management and Leadership.

Which areas do you like?

I was in the brand ‘ultimate personalisation sales team’ and I really enjoyed that. As a team you work closely with the design and engineering teams to push the boundaries of personalisation and deliver a car that is completely tailored to the customer. Marketing has also been one of my favourite teams. I make sure dealers have the creative assets they need, maintain our digital asset management and there’s also a lot of content creation – organising film shoots and going to shoots at lots of different locations.

What skills do you use in your job?

There’s not one skill that you don’t need. Time management, teamwork, collaboration, communication skills, problem-solving, resilience, adaptability – every skill is important for the workplace and supports you in the role you are doing.

What was your educational career path?

I studied at a University Technical College. I did A-levels in Mathematics and Computer Science, a Cambridge Technical in Engineering and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). I had aspired to be an engineer when I joined the school when I was 14. Through the industry engagement the academy offered, and when business partners came into the academy to talk about the various career options available to us, I came to realise that you can work at an engineering company but not be an engineer. STEM subjects and careers are important though, so don’t be put off engineering!

Everybody has your best interests at heart as an apprentice. Everyone wants to see you grow and thrive.

What made you choose an apprenticeship?

I did apply to go to university but I felt a degree apprenticeship would be the perfect opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the working world, and to understand and expand upon theoretical concepts whilst being able to put these into practice.

My employer is a business partner with the academy, which meant apprenticeship roles were exclusively advertised there. I went through an expedited process and was invited for an interview. It was a very swift process from the initial application to the offer.

What do you love most about your apprenticeship?

The people that I have met. And, of course, the cars! I’ve built and established good working relationships with my colleagues and mentors but also made great friends too. All the people I have interacted with are helpful and kind. Everybody has your best interests at heart as an apprentice. Everyone wants to see you grow and thrive.

Top tips

• Go for it! Apprenticeships are a great way to gain first-hand experience and knowledge. After the scheme ends you will not only be a well-rounded individual, but will be in high demand for new roles
• Keep applying and don’t be disheartened if you don’t get an offer from a company. There are so many great opportunities out there and so many companies that want to invest in you and want to see you grow and develop
• Make sure to have fun, enjoy yourself and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.

A chartered manager degree apprentice can move into a variety of roles, including team leader, operations manager, head of department and project manager. Business project managers plan and organise people, tasks and resources to complete a project on time and within budget.

What to expect if you want to be a business project manager

• Business project manager average salary: £22,000 to £70,000 per year.
• Business project manager typical working hours: 37 to 39 hours per week. You could be attending events or appointments.

What qualifications do you need to be a business project manager?

You could get into this role via a university course, an apprenticeship, a graduate traineeship or working towards the role.

This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the website for the latest information and all the qualifications needed. (Sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service).

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