Molly Jean Crowther, chief financial officer of Young Rail Professionals, tells us her story of career change during uncertain times and how a degree apprenticeship shaped her future.
I wasn’t fresh out of school when I started my degree apprenticeship with Amey. Like many others, the Covid-19 pandemic had upended my career plans and made me rethink my future. I knew I needed to retrain but, financially and practically, I couldn’t afford to leave work and go to university full-time. That’s when I discovered the Network 75 programme offered through the University of South Wales, and everything changed.
Four years later, I’ve graduated with a 2:1 BA (Hons) in Business, focusing on Project Management and Work Winning. I’ve also built real-world experience in one of the UK’s most dynamic infrastructure consultancies. It’s been challenging, enlightening, and gratifying.
Why a degree apprenticeship?
For me, the decision to take on a degree apprenticeship was both practical and ambitious. The pandemic had forced a major reassessment, but it also opened an unexpected opportunity: to retrain, upskill, and grow in a new career while continuing to work.
The degree apprenticeship route allowed me to earn while I learned, removing the financial barriers that might otherwise have made a return to education impossible. But more than that, it gave me purpose, direction, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to live projects while developing academically.
Starting out
The application process for Amey was smooth and well-organised, with clear communications and interviews that focused not on what I already knew, but on my attitude: a keenness to learn and develop. Over the next four years, that mindset became a core part of my experience.
From the start, I was welcomed by a team that valued growth and gave me the space to make mistakes, learn, and progress. Two female line managers were instrumental — both strong mentors who encouraged me to pursue my goals and helped me find my voice in the business world.
Real work, real impact
Throughout my apprenticeship, I worked across multiple sectors, including Rail, Highways, and the Built Environment. A particular highlight has been supporting projects for Transport for Wales, helping shape strategic goals and ensuring alignment across stakeholders. While still studying, working with clients of this calibre gave me unique insights into how large-scale infrastructure projects are developed and delivered.
Beyond the technical exposure, I also took on responsibilities that honed my business and leadership skills. My role as chief financial officer of Young Rail Professionals (YRP) has been especially impactful, enhancing my financial acumen and deepening my network and industry knowledge in a hands-on way. The skills I’ve developed, particularly in communication, financial management, and strategic thinking, have made me more confident and capable in every work area.
The balancing act
Balancing a demanding job with university coursework was never easy. But with the support of Amey, which provided time off to study and trusted me to manage my workload, I was able to keep progressing in both areas. Early on, I learned that planning is essential, especially when research doesn’t go as smoothly as expected!
Dedicated study days helped create a sense of structure, but it still took discipline and patience. Not all modules aligned perfectly with my day-to-day work, and in some cases, like my project management module, the academic approach clashed with how things are done in the real world. Navigating those differences was challenging but it taught me to think critically and adapt my learning to different contexts.
Overcoming challenges
One of the most difficult aspects of the journey was reconciling the theory I was taught with the reality of the workplace. In the classroom, we were taught project management frameworks that were accurate in theory but not always practical in the infrastructure sector. Learning both side-by-side, even when they contradicted, pushed me to think deeper about what works and when.
There were also times when the sheer volume of work, life responsibilities, and university deadlines felt overwhelming. As a mature student, I sometimes questioned whether I was too old to be doing an apprenticeship but that self-doubt never lasted long. Completing the programme and achieving my degree has become one of the proudest milestones of my life.
Advice
If you’re considering a degree apprenticeship in business, engineering, or another field, my advice is simple: do it.
Whether you’re starting your career or retraining like I was, this path allows you to build skills, gain experience, and grow your professional network in ways that a traditional degree alone often can’t match. The ‘earn while you learn’ model is not just financially practical — it provides four to six years of relevant experience, which is incredibly valuable when stepping into more senior roles post-graduation.
To employers, I would say this: embrace degree apprenticeships. They’re an excellent way to upskill your current team, engage future talent, and foster a culture of growth within your organisation. The long-term benefits, both for your people and your business, are undeniable.
What next?
Now that I’ve graduated, I’m excited to continue building my career in project management and work winning. The last four years have given me a solid foundation — not just in terms of knowledge, but in confidence, resilience, and adaptability.
I’m also committed to continuing my work with YRP and supporting the next generation of talent entering the industry. I know firsthand how transformative the right opportunity at the right time can be, and I hope to help others discover their own path just like I found mine.
If you are interested in hearing more about collaboration opportunities, please reach out to my team at [email protected] or to YRP’s wider teams at [email protected].
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