Degree apprenticeship spotlight: "How I used my apprenticeship to climb the career ladder"
Dylan Patel’s career progression was already gaining momentum when he joined the University of Hertfordshire as a degree apprentice – but according to him, it was doing the programme that helped him accelerate it.
Now 28 and based in Northampton, Dylan is general manager at Accord Engineering, a Hitchin‑based company specialising in metal supplies for modular construction.
He began his journey in 2018 as a Level 3 CAD apprentice while studying at Bedford College, before enrolling on the University of Hertfordshire’s Level 6 mechanical engineering degree apprenticeship to deepen his technical knowledge and broaden his skills.
“My employers were keen for senior managers and future directors to have relevant qualifications to back up their hands‑on experience,” he said. “That conversation led me down the apprenticeship route and helped me get on the career ladder.”
In 2020, Dylan was seconded to Accord Engineering’s parent company, Century Facades, where he spent six months working as a trainee designer. He then returned to Accord as operations manager, a role he held for four years while completing his degree.
“Balancing full‑time work with studying was a big learning curve and a heavy workload,” he said. “But I was treated as an employee rather than an apprentice, and it has paid off. I’m on a clear career path without the burden of student loans.”
Since completing his degree, Dylan has been promoted to general manager after the senior vacancy arose within the business.
“The previous general manager had left the company and the opportunity came up - and the owners put their trust in me,” he said.
Dylan added: “My degree gives me credibility when speaking with suppliers and customers. Having a solid understanding of the products, the technical detail behind them and the operations involved is incredibly valuable.
“It’s not just about what we do here at Accord, but how our work connects with other industries.”
Dylan now manages a team of around 15 people and has ambitions to grow the business.
“The industry has taken a hit since new government legislation came into force last January, which led to sign‑off backlogs,” he said. “But we’re now in a rebuilding phase and have lots of new projects coming up.”
The journey has come full circle, with Dylan now sending apprentices from Accord to study the same course at Herts.
“Based on my own success, and that of my colleague Toby - who was also studying at Herts while working alongside me at Accord - I am keen to give other students the same opportunity,” he said.
“We have shown that you don’t necessarily need lots of experience before starting, as many of the skills can be learned on the job. What matters most is hard work, a willingness to learn and dedication.
“That is why we changed our approach, moving towards recruiting junior apprentices who bring fresh ideas, new perspectives and the drive to build their careers while making a real contribution to the business.”
His advice to new apprentices balancing full-time employment and study is to work hard and not to lose sight of the end goal.
“It will be challenging but being employed while studying for your degree is a huge opportunity,” Dylan says. “You earn while you learn and don’t end up with student debt.”
He also praised Herts lecturers for how well they prepare students for exams and support them in getting to grips with technical learning.
“Marzia, Rogerio and Melissa were brilliant in supporting us when we needed it,” he said. “The framework they have built is excellent and the experience prepares you for industry.”
Learn more about our Manufacturing Engineer Degree Apprenticeship - Mechanical.