Degree Apprentice Dialogues: Jude Topham

Our degree apprentices undertake a series of placements across E.ON’s business areas, helping them gain valuable experience and build a network of contacts across the business, all while studying for their degree.

As part of our Degree Apprentice Dialogues series, we spoke to Jude Topham, who has just completed the Future Leaders degree apprenticeship while graduating with a First-Class degree in Business Management and Leadership from the University of Derby.

What made you want to apply for a degree apprenticeship?

I opted to go with the less-travelled route of seeking out an apprenticeship opportunity because I was eager to gain professional work experience and begin my career. But a degree qualification was still a significant goal for me, so a degree apprenticeship seemed the ideal opportunity. The E.ON scheme provided everything I was looking for, and I was fortunate enough to be successful through the application and interview process. 

What did you like most about E.ON’s degree apprenticeship scheme?

The opportunity to gain professional experience within a large organisation was invaluable and has given me a head start in my career. I can’t overstate the value of being able to do all this in tandem with gaining the knowledge university study provides.

Not only have I developed my knowledge in key business functions, but I’ve also developed considerably as a person. That’s down to working directly with experienced colleagues, having the opportunity to be mentored by a senior leader within E.ON, and being part of a strong network of apprentices.

The scheme’s placements offer opportunities to learn and develop a variety of professional skills. They also help participants to find the right place to continue their career post-apprenticeship. During my three and a half years as an apprentice, I worked across lots of different teams at E.ON – from B2B Sales, our E.ON Drive EV business, Diversity and Inclusion, Energy Markets and E.ON Next.

How did you find studying while working?

I studied for a BA Business Management and Leadership degree, and it’s a qualification that provides a strong foundation of knowledge and theory to support my development within the workplace. Studying while working also improved my ability to add value to the teams I’ve been placed with – and now I’ve secured a role as Business Improvement Manager within E.ON Next in the Transformation team, driving organisational improvement and growth. 

What advice would you give to someone starting out on a degree apprenticeship?

I’d say having a positive attitude to feedback and learning from those around me were the keys to my success as an apprentice. I can’t speak highly enough of doing an apprenticeship scheme with E.ON. The team focuses on your development, both as a person and a professional. Ultimately, it means I’ve gained the benefits of four years’ experience and a degree (debt-free), all while being paid a salary throughout. It’s exactly the kind of career launchpad I was hoping for.