As part of our commitment to social mobility and inclusive career pathways, we’re proud to shine a light on our current apprentice, Reuben Francis, who is part of our Degree Apprenticeship Programme. We sat down with him to hear more about his journey so far, what he has learned, what’s surprised him, and what advice he’d give to others considering this path.
What made you decide to apply for the apprenticeship at Lancia?
While weighing up my different options after leaving school, Lancia's people and culture stood out to me. In the early stage of my career, I knew how important it would be to be around committed and supportive people, and I genuinely felt that at Lancia. The degree is from a prestigious university and in a subject that really interested me, which made Lancia the standout choice.
What has surprised you most about the experience so far?
The biggest surprise has been how much trust and belief Lancia has placed in me. Coming into the company as the most junior member can feel daunting, and at first it definitely was, but I've been able to gel well with the team and build good relationships with my colleagues. I was also surprised by the level of autonomy that I've been given on the non-consulting side of my role. I've been able to explore many different areas of learning alongside my role, which has really empowered me to grow lots since joining.
Can you describe a moment where you felt you were really learning or making an impact?
Much of the education that I've done in the past has felt quite theoretical and far removed from what you would need in your day-to-day life. But it has been very fulfilling to see how the content that I'm learning at university can be directly applied to my role. It's in these moments that I feel like I'm properly learning, combining a textbook understanding with real industry experience. When things start to click like that, I know that I'm contributing to the team meaningfully.
How do you balance studying and working at the same time?
Balancing a university degree with full-time work isn't exactly easy, but Lancia makes it as straightforward as it can be. I have a dedicated day devoted purely to studying without any Lancia contact, so I can really get my head down and focus. I think it's really important to plan your time properly and create a clear structure for your study day so that you can balance it well with work. Making sure that I'm always on top of both aspects, or reaching out when I'm struggling is very important, so that I can make sure that I don't get stuck in a cycle of trying to catch back up.
What kind of support have you received from the team at Lancia?
The support from Lancia has been amazing! I know that everyone in the team, from every corner of the organisation will be open and available to help however they can. Everyone in the team understands my situation, balancing studies as well as work, and I've always felt backed by them. Having Ana as a great mentor through the LIFT coaching programme and Robbie, a former Digital Technology Solutions (DTS) apprentice, leading the scheme, is instrumental in creating a strong support network for us. It definitely helps having someone in leadership who has been there personally and knows the unique challenges of a degree apprentice.
How has the apprenticeship changed your view of what a career can look like?
There are many routes into a professional career besides the traditional path of school, university, and graduate scheme. For those who want to obtain a degree and the opportunity to gain experience at the same time, apprenticeships offer a great alternative. It makes higher education accessible for people from all backgrounds, especially those who simply can't afford to stop working in order to study.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about applying for a degree apprenticeship?
Go for it! Even if you're unsure, you'll lose nothing from giving it a go. The things you'll learn from applying to an apprenticeship will be valuable in themselves. Even if you're unsuccessful, the application and interview experience is always going to be beneficial in the long run. Plus, it gives an insight into what working life could look like, and you could discover career paths that you hadn't considered.
