“No two days are the same” – degree apprentice reaps rewards of vineyard experience

Degree apprenticeships offer an alternative to the traditional route into higher education after school, offering students the chance to earn while they learn. And popular West Sussex vineyard Ashling Park Estate is just the latest business to benefit from the scheme which helps fill skills gaps in the local workforce.

Leah Richards is in her final year studying for a BSc (Hons) Digital Marketing at the University of Chichester as a degree apprentice and combines her one-day-a-week studies with a paid role at Ashling Park four days a week.

Leah explained: “I always wanted to do an apprenticeship to gain real work experience. I learn best by doing things and a degree apprenticeship has helped me put the theory I learn at uni into practice.

“I applied through the government apprenticeship website for the role at Ashling Park Estate and a couple of other apprenticeships locally, but Ashling Park really stood out. It looked amazing and a really cool place to work, which it is! I’m really glad I was successful and I’ve been here nearly four years now.”

Ashling Park Estate is one of the area’s most popular vineyards. Set in the countryside just outside Chichester, the venue describes itself as a wine retreat, where guests can enjoy a relaxed stay in one of the vineyard’s lodges, take a vineyard tour or enjoy first-class dining.

Degree apprentices do not have to pay tuition fees as these are paid by either the employer or the government, so they can graduate without any fee debt. If someone successfully applies for a degree apprenticeship role, they will then be enrolled onto the degree at the university.

Leah added: “Ashling Park is a small family business, so I get involved with a bit of everything, from taking bookings to welcoming guests. I also look after some of the company’s marketing, including creating content for social media and writing e-newsletters and website copy. I love the fact that no two days are the same, it’s a really fun place to work and I’ve learnt so much – I’m 100% sure that I want to work in digital marketing as a career now.”

“I definitely recommend doing a degree apprenticeship – in fact several of my colleagues have gone on to do so! I’ve loved the journey and don’t regretting choosing the degree apprenticeship route at all. Meeting people from different backgrounds at work has really helped my learning and the support from my employer and the university has been great.”

Gail Gardner, Managing Director of Ashling Park Estate said: “Appointing Leah has been one of the most valuable decisions for our business. She consistently demonstrates creativity, dedication, and a genuine passion for what she does. Her contribution has been outstanding, and she has become an indispensable part of the team.”

To find out more about degree apprenticeships and the opportunities on offer at the University of Chichester, visit https://www.chi.ac.uk/degree-apprenticeships/