Apprentices from Stevenage-based missile manufacturer MBDA are celebrating after achieving first-class honours from the University of Hertfordshire.

Jade Anderson, Matt Gilbert, Ella Key, Joseph Kleanthous, Tanika Stewart and Abbie Yeates have all been part of the apprenticeship degree programme at Hertfordshire Business School, and have spent four years studying for a BA (Hons) business studies degree by attending lectures and tutorials at the Hatfield-based university alongside on-site work at MBDA in Stevenage.

Apprentice Abbie Yeates said: “By doing an apprenticeship I have found it particularly beneficial to apply the knowledge gained at work to my university modules.

“By being able to apply my own work experience and learning I have further developed my understanding of the theoretical practices taught at university.

“Similarly, the theories and practices taught at university have helped to aid my understanding at work, and have also guided me to make more appropriate decisions in my placements.

“Since we are given the ability to practice what we learn at university in our placements, it has allowed me to develop not only my technical ability but has also assisted my personal development.”

This is the sixth year running that all apprentices from the MBDA and University of Hertfordshire prorgamme will graduate with the highest award possible after completing this programme.

The partnership has proved successful enough that MBDA has now become a major partner for the university’s new digital and technology solutions degree apprenticeship programme.

Students on the MBDA degree apprenticeships receive financial support from MBDA, which contributes to tuition fees as well as paying a salary.

To find out more about degree apprenticeships at the University of Hertfordshire see herts.ac.uk/apply/degree-apprenticeships.