My experience as an apprentice in the marketing industry
Change can be daunting, especially if you’re unsure if you’re on the right path. I made a change from college to an apprenticeship. After enrolling and spending multiple weeks at college I decided it wasn’t the right thing for me to be doing.
Initially, college seemed the right choice, but I soon realised it didn’t align with what I was hoping to achieve in the future.
Transitioning to an apprenticeship opened new doors that I would have never opened staying in college and allowed me to learn while earning money.
Choosing a sports diploma course initially seemed like the perfect fit, I always excelled in my sports so picking the sport course seemed perfect. However, 2 weeks in I quickly realised it wasn’t what I had wanted.
Then I found my apprenticeship in content creating. I was drawn to the idea of the hands- on nature of the apprenticeship along with the practical experience that came with it. It also gave me a clearer path for career progression, allowing multiple paths to open instead of being stuck to one. I liked how I could get paid, work, and learn all in one, allowing me to be able to keep my weekends and evenings work free.
The initial expectation of my apprenticeship involved a learning experience like school and limited trust and responsibility at the workplace. Instead, I was trusted with big tasks early on. I found the apprenticeship to be more hands on than I had expected.
As I joined the company with zero knowledge, I thought my career progression would be limited. Surprisingly, my working career was on the fast-track, offering clear pathways to further education and skills.
Some adaptation had to be done to get into the reality of my apprenticeship. Taking responsibility for managing my own workload and making sure things were done for their allotted deadlines was one of these.
I also learnt to adapt to a professional working environment with colleagues of various ages.
Even though it may seem daunting, taking on these new responsibilities early on allowed me to develop my skills quicker and build confidence in my role.
Nothing was perfect at the start. I didn’t leave college, join an apprenticeship and everything went smoothly. There were some challenges along the way.
As I mentioned earlier, I joined my apprenticeship with zero knowledge on how to operate cameras, edit photos or set up all the camera, lighting, video and audio equipment.
However, being able to be at work four days and college only one, I was able to overcome all these new challenges as I got loads of practice at work.
My boss and colleague guided me whilst learning how to do all these new skills and I got to showcase all what I had learnt by being able to go on multiple video and photo shoots.
Along with this, I had also gained many more skills within just a year into my apprenticeship. Whether it was handling a project or mastering a new skill, each significantly boosted my own confidence and work ethic.
Apprentices can bring fresh ideas with different perspectives and energy to the workplace.
As an apprentice, I was eager to get hands on in the workplace, learn and contribute. I quickly adapted to Purpose Media’s needs, learning all the skills needed and more to become a reliable team member.
This adaptability and growth show how apprentices can evolve to the business, taking on responsibilities and adding real value.
Apprentices can offer a cost-effective way for businesses to develop talent. A good support system can help apprentices like me grow into skilled, loyal, employees. Overall, this benefits not only the apprentice, but also the business. We discuss further how apprentices have helped drive success for Purpose Media here: https://www.purposemedia.co.uk/insights/how-apprentices-have-helped-drive-purpose-medias-success/
Reflecting on my apprenticeship over the past year, I have found what I truly enjoy, and I am now focusing on that. I have taken on key responsibilities like being trusted with managing projects, participating in multiple shoots with the videographer, and even taken on the producer role independently.
From 6 months into my apprenticeship till now, I’ve managed the pre-production phase for a major project.
Embracing change led me to rewarding outcomes. The apprenticeship reinforced the idea of it being okay to change paths and take risks. The skills, confidence and insights I have gained from this apprenticeship helped me grow in my role but also prepared me for the future in the professional world.