A Digital Student is preparing to begin a prestigious degree apprenticeship with Coca-Cola, following an exemplary Distinction grade in her T Level results last week.
Over the past two years on her Level 3 Digital Production, Design and Development T Level course, eighteen-year-old Benita Raphaels has become one of South Hampshire College Group’s most decorated students, with notable achievements including designing an app that is now used across Hampshire Constabulary, earning a ‘Highly Commended’ accolade in the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards, and becoming a presenter on community radio station Voice FM. She has also served as a student governor during this time, volunteered in the community and delivered public speaking roles as a T Level Ambassador. Benita’s degree apprenticeship with Coca-Cola marks the start of an exciting new chapter that brings together all the skills she has acquired in her education and training so far.
Pete Joddrell, Deputy Chief Executive and Group Principal at South Hampshire College Group, commented: “It’s been fantastic to watch Benita’s progress through her T Level course which has culminated in a well-deserved degree apprenticeship with a globally recognised brand. Benita’s journey showcases the value of T Levels and extended industry placements on career development, as seen through her achievements during her work placement with Hampshire Constabulary. This story also demonstrates the strength of our Digital T Level programme, which has seen an impressive 100% pass rate this year. Benita has further been an excellent Student Governor who has shown true commitment to representing students at South Hampshire College Group, and we wish her the very best for her next steps.”
Amongst a dozen candidates originally shortlisted for this prestigious opportunity with Coca-Cola, Benita impressed through a series of video and in-person assessments, as well as a simulation day in the role, which incorporated key elements of the program including sales, marketing and project management. She will now relocate to Manchester to join the local Coca-Cola Europacific Partners branch, and commence her BA (Hons) Business Management Professional degree at the Manchester Metropolitan University. She will also receive a company car courtesy of Coca-Cola.
Reflecting on her upcoming apprenticeship, Benita commented: “I was delighted to receive the offer of this degree apprenticeship and it feels good to join such a world-famous company in Coca-Cola. There are lots of good progression opportunities, including the chance to work abroad. The biggest thank you to Debbie for everything and all the support – the best lecturer/tutor ever!”
Debbie Eacott, Digital Academy Lead at South Hampshire College Group, said: “Benita, you believed you could—and you did! An overall Distinction in your Digital T Level and a degree apprenticeship with Coca-Cola is no small feat. Go and be brilliant. I can’t wait to see all your professional achievements unfold. So proud of you!”
Degree apprenticeships are an excellent choice for individuals looking to combine higher-education study with paid work. There are no tuition fees for degree apprenticeships, which are offered at Level 4 through to Level 7.
