Karan Sian, SAP | Digital Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship
SAP revolutionising early talent development
We visited SAP’s London office to meet with apprentices, their managers, and the early careers leaders. Their insights revealed a significant departure from traditional graduate training routes. The degree apprenticeship at SAP is a powerful blend of on-the-job experience, academic learning, structured mentorship, and industry-recognised qualifications. This programme is built to propel graduates into leadership roles within the fast-paced world of software and technology and is a blueprint for the future of early talent development.
We spoke with Karan Sian, SAP
Karan’s journey into SAP’s degree apprenticeship programme began with his love for technology, which developed during his GCSEs. “What really attracted me to the programme was that you come out of it with a degree fully funded, plus three years of experience at a major company like SAP,” he explains. “You get to work with experts in the field and build connections—not just on LinkedIn but in person—which is so helpful for future prospects.”
One of the most valuable skills Karan has gained is creating business-ready presentations. “When I finished my A-Levels, I didn’t really know how to make presentations for a business audience,” he says. “Now, I’ve learned about confidentiality, avoiding too much text, and making things visually appealing. It’s been one of my most important skills, especially because I’m very customer-focused and do a lot of presenting.”
Karan’s work has already made an impact. He contributed to a project where SAP’s expense management software, Concur, was reimagined in a virtual reality space called Drift Space. “I presented it to UKI and global leaders, and learning the new software and how to bring everything they needed into the VR world was one of the most impactful things I’ve done so far,” he shares. Another significant project involved integrating generative AI into SAP’s demos for asset maintenance.
Carl Streatfield, Head of SAP Innovation Labs (UKI), highlights the value of the degree apprenticeship programme, “As an employer, we value the degree they earn just as much as a traditional full-time one, and the three years of experience they gain gives them an edge.”
Degree Apprenticeships at SAP
Karan’s experience at SAP is a testament to the transformative power of Degree Apprenticeships in the workplace. It highlights how structured learning and exposure to workplace-based training can nurture the enthusiasm and ambitions of early talent.
