National Apprenticeship Week: Here’s what our apprentice has to say about her journey so far

From an Assistant Manager for a global jewellery company to a Digital Marketing Executive at Bopgun. This is my apprenticeship journey…

Life before my apprenticeship

After finishing my A-levels I followed everyone else into the natural progression of University. For the previous two years, I spent time researching and travelling the country trying to find the right place for me. Although I settled on a great uni, I did just that! I settled, still not feeling like I had made the right choice for me. My first term dragged on for what seemed like an eternity and slowly I came to the realisation that University just isn’t for me! It was nerve-wracking to tell friends and family that I was ‘dropping out’, but I knew it was the right decision for me!

After a couple of years of working in retail and climbing my way up the ladder, I decided it was time to back into education. I had worked my way up to assistant manager in Englands largest jewellery company so the decision was not an easy one to make. But ultimately I knew I was no longer passionate about my career and the prospects that lay ahead. Back to the drawing board, I revisited the subjects I fell in love with at school. Time and time again I kept getting drawn back to media and decided to look into careers within that sector. As soon as I discovered that I could complete a digital marketing apprenticeship, I knew that it was the right decision for me.

Finding Bopgun

During the years I worked in retail I ran my own blog and YouTube channel, keeping my interest into media alive. I became more and more aware of social media and how to grow and develop online. I applied for the Digital Marketing apprenticeship with a company called Professional Apprenticeships. Adam invited me in for an interview to see if I was the right fit for them and the course they had on offer. Together we re-worked my C.V and they helped me to improve my skills in researching and contacting companies to see who would be willing to take me on. I decided to first look into design agencies, this way I could work in a creative environment and learn as much as possible.

Having my blog and YouTube channels helped to showcase my skills and passion within this industry. I also completed the Google digital garage online course to understand the basics of any job role required. I contacted Bopgun after finding their website and loving the work they created. By a stroke of luck, good timing or higher intervention they were looking to take on a digital marketing apprentice! I never expected to find such a perfect job so quickly!

The apprenticeship process

Completing an apprenticeship is no easy feat. In order to complete my apprenticeship, I have had to undertake 2 online digital marketing courses, complete a portfolio showcasing my work and skills and finish a four-day synoptic project made up of 4 different tasks. All of this is on top of the normal 9-5 day to day work. For me taking on an apprenticeship was the best decision I have made. Learning on the job has expanded my knowledge at an exceedingly fast rate! Not only do I work with a great team of people but I love my job, and that is invaluable!

University isn’t for everyone, it certainly wasn’t for me. But that doesn’t mean that an apprenticeship is the only other option. Take your time to research all the options available to you. However, for anyone wants to learn a specific skill/trade whilst working and without the £9,000 a year fee, it is perfect.