Tom Meech, 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 Tom Meech, SAP
For Tom Meech, a degree apprenticeship was the perfect alternative to university. “I went through about 130 applications, and SAP was the one that just clicked for me.” Now a year in, Tom thrives in a role that helps businesses understand SAP’s software. Tom is thriving in his role, “I’ve been here just over a year now, and I love it. The challenges we’re typically involved in as free sales consultants is showing the customer how to use the software to help improve their business. We demo things like SAP SuccessFactors, AI asset maintenance, and an AI shop assistant.”
For Lindsey Rowe, Head of Strategic Programmes at SAP, apprenticeships are key to SAP’s early careers strategy. “Regardless of someone’s journey, they should be able to get into tech—whether through university or an apprenticeship.”
Carl Streatfield, Head of SAP Innovation Labs (UKI), highlights the value of apprentices. “We treat them like full-time employees, not just apprentices. They start small, but soon, they’re running independent projects and developing broader expertise in areas like HR, finance, or procurement.”
Tom’s advice? “Stay curious, ask loads of questions. There’s so much to learn, and you can’t know it all in the first week.”
Degree Apprenticeships at SAP
Tom’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.
