Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
I initially chose to look for an apprenticeship because I was unsure what career path I wanted to take and was reluctant to commit to an expensive university course that I may never use or need in the future. I enjoyed being in a working environment and was lucky enough to find an apprenticeship course in a field of work that I had never really considered before but was actually a mix of all my interests rolled into one.
How did you find out about your apprenticeship?
Through searching for apprenticeships on the GOV.UK website.
What do you plan to do next?
I am currently working on a new project within Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s Corporate Communications team where I am helping to develop a new website and intranet. I am enjoying learning new skills and I hope to continue working for the organisation and progressing in the communications field of work. My apprenticeship has been a great way into a fantastic organisation with many different career opportunities.
What have you gained from your apprenticeship?
I have gained both work experience and a recognised qualification in Public Relations. The company which ran the apprenticeship course ensured I learnt as much as I could about the world of PR through support from an assessor, challenging coursework units and insightful training days and network events. What’s more, the Corporate Communications team supported me in gaining invaluable hands on work experience. They really showed me the ropes and helped me get as much out of the experience as possible. Throughout my apprenticeship I learnt to write press releases and internal stories, create printed artwork such as leaflets and posters, monitor social media, liaise with national and local journalists, arrange interviews and produce videos. I developed skills in Photoshop, InDesign, Video scribe, Google Analytics and media law. A highlight was leading on the delivery and evaluation of a two-month long campaign.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about doing an apprenticeship?
My advice would be to go for it! I can honestly say that it was by far the best year of my life so far. I no longer had the Sunday evening dread of Monday morning because each and every day brought a new and exciting challenge. I grew up and matured so much in such a short space of time and have gained a lot of confidence from learning valuable skills. If you’re like me and are unsure of university, I would ask yourself whether you will definitely need a degree in the future. If the answer is no, an apprenticeship is a fantastic alternative where you can get the experience that most employers these days are looking for as well as a qualification.
What advice would you give to an employer who is considering employing an apprentice?
I would really recommend hiring an apprentice to any company who is considering the option. Apprenticeships are growing so much in today’s society and can now be a great chance for young people to kick start their career in a whole range of industries. I learnt so much in such a short space of time that I was then relied upon by both my managers and colleagues to perform vital daily tasks. Many young people are eager and ready to learn and apprenticeships are a great way to get someone into an organisation and give them the experience they need to work their way up and become a valuable and knowledgeable member of the team that knows the company inside out.