Ernst & Young - Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship

Northumbria University and EY Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship

At Northumbria University, we are proud to partner with EY on our Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship, a programme designed to equip emerging professionals with the skills, confidence and real-world experience needed to thrive in a fast-paced business environment. Through a unique blend of academic learning and practical workplace application, our apprenticeship pathways enable learners to develop in-demand capabilities while contributing meaningfully to their organisations.

Four apprentices from EY - Dasha Smotlak, Sukruthi Paparaju, Lauren Braby and Nicole Easton, share how the programme has supported their growth. Their stories highlight the strong integration between university study and on-the-job development, showcasing the profound impact of applied learning on career progression, professional mindset and personal development.

Dasha Smotlak:

Dasha Smotlak, a second-year apprentice, tells us about her apprenticeship.

What qualification do you gain through this apprenticeship?

Business and Leadership Management Degree from Northumbria University and a Chartered Management Institute Qualification (CMI).

What does your day-day work look like?

Working as part of a project team for a client, resolving cases and contributing to the wider completion of the team’s goal of meeting client targets.

What is your favourite thing about your job?

The people that work within the office are so friendly, whether that be others on the apprenticeship or those more senior, friendships are built which really contributes to a positive atmosphere within the office.

Could you sum up your university experience so far and how it's benefitted your work?

I have found university to link in very closely with my work. University makes a keen effort to link scenarios that we have learnt about in lectures to ones we have experienced or could potentially experience at work. This has allowed me to take the theoretical knowledge that I learn and apply it day-to-day at work. The university cohort work in a variety of different sectors, which allows us to see how the same theory applies in other areas and how this could drive positive change in my workplace. Overall, I have found my first year of university to be a very positive and enriching experience.

 

Sukruthi Paparaju:

Sukruthi Paparaju, a recent apprentice graduate, tells us about her apprenticeship.

What qualification do you gain through this apprenticeship?

I have recently graduated with a degree in Business and Leadership Management from Northumbria University as well as a Chartered Management Institute Qualification (CMI).

What does your day-day work look like?

During a client project, I will collaborate with my team and the client to address challenges, ensuring we complete tasks with the highest quality while adhering to deadlines. This involves frequent communication through emails and calls to discuss task progress and support the development of team members' skills.

What is your favourite thing about your job?

I enjoy collaborating with others to solve problems. Working as teams creates a positive working environment within the office.

Could you sum up your university experience so far and how it's benefitted your work?

It helped me be more aware of the running of the business which allowed me to identify strategies, techniques and different approaches taken. It also helped with understanding how I could best adapt to my environment with most modules including self-reflection.

 

Lauren Braby:

Lauren Braby, a manager, tells us about her apprenticeship and how it helped her progress in her career.

How did the apprenticeship scheme at Northumbria University help you progress throughout your career?

I would not have the experience or professional skills I have today without the apprenticeship programme. It has supported me practically applying the theory learned at university and taught me to be curious in the workplace and to seek opportunities to support with my studies, which in turn ended up helping me professionally too - so it’s a win win!

What is your role within EY?

I work within the Conduct Risk service line in CSD, meaning the projects we work on are focussed on helping our clients remain regulatory compliant - which can be quite broad! My typical role is quality checking my teams work or a team lead, supporting my team with their work and professional development.

How would you summarise your experience of undertaking the degree apprenticeship at Northumbria University whilst working at EY?

The experience was a blend of practical and theoretical learning which complimented each other well, bringing my studies to life and facilitating more hands-on learning. Overall, it was a rewarding challenge which ultimately supported my career progression in the longer-term.

 

Nicole Easton:

Nicole Easton, a senior manager, tells us about her apprenticeship and how it helped her progress in her career.

How did the apprenticeship scheme at Northumbria University help you progress throughout your career?

There were a lot of learnings that I took from the apprenticeship scheme that helped me approach situations with a different mindset. There are techniques it taught me, for example how to tailor my style in certain situations and decision-making methods, I still reflect on some of the things that both the degree and the apprenticeship taught me and employ them in my work today.

What is your role within EY?

I specialise in the Conduct Risk solution area, working for clients such as banks and wealth & asset managers across a range of subject matters including but not limited to complaints backlogs and mortgage remediation.

What level do you work at now you have been promoted?

I am a manager within the department; therefore, I lead projects with teams of 2-30 people. 

 

If you, your team or your organisation are looking to develop talent through high-quality, practice-focused education, we invite you to explore the opportunities available through our degree apprenticeships here.

Or, you can find out more about our Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship here.