Daniel Parkinson is gaining a wealth of experience balancing his studies with a role at Balfour Beatty and a degree through the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)
For Daniel, a degree apprenticeship provided an invaluable opportunity to progress his career within the construction industry.
The 27-year-old from Preston is now in his third and final year of the part-time BSc (hons) quantity surveying course at UCLan. A programme he chose to embark upon due to the quality of teaching and facilities, in addition to the professional body-accredited degree on offer. He’ll graduate in the summer of 2020.
He said: “Working in construction from the age of 16, I knew I wanted to continue my career in the industry. When Balfour Beatty offered me the opportunity to undertake the apprenticeship, I realised this would be the right path for me.”
“I chose UCLan as it provides a Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors-accredited course. A few colleagues have also studied there, all receiving first-class honours.”
Daniel is employed by leading infrastructure group Balfour Beatty, gaining vital industry experience working at Sellafield in Cumbria on a nuclear decommissioning project.
Being a part-time student hasn’t been without its challenges, but Daniel is confident his hard work and dedication will be worth it in the end. “Juggling work, university and home life can be difficult and having to get assignments in on time isn’t the easiest of tasks, but effective time management is key to achieving this.”
“My advice to any prospective students would be to take university seriously, as it’s your chance to gain the qualifications required to prepare you for your chosen career.”
Visit uclan.ac.uk/apprenticeships to find out more about degree apprenticeships at UCLan
