National Apprenticeship Week: Olivia's Story

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we’re celebrating and highlighting some of our recent learners who have progressed into full-time paid apprenticeships in their chosen industries.

An apprenticeship is a great way to combine both practical and hands-on paid experience in a job role that interests you, with the certifications that employers are looking for.

Our digital & IT apprenticeships are delivered by Just IT – with apprenticeships available in Data, IT and Digital Marketing at some of the UK’s most recognised companies, such as Sainsbury’s, Harrod’s and Google.

One learner who recently completed an apprenticeship in Digital Marketing is Olivia Hemingway.

Olivia's story

Olivia knew she had an interest in entering the world of marketing, but wasn’t too sure on the next steps to take after finishing her education. She wasn’t too keen on pursuing a degree at University, so decided to explore other entry routes into the industry.

After discussing the options available with Just IT, she decided to pursue an apprenticeship in digital marketing, and soon landed a role as a Digital Marketing Apprentice at international law firm, Squire Patton Boggs.

"I always wanted to go into marketing, but University life didn't appeal to me. When I found out that Digital Marketing Apprenticeships existed, I knew it was the perfect route for me.

"Before I started my apprenticeship, I had little to no knowledge about marketing, so it helped me learn various skills, as well as improve my confidence and the way I view myself significantly.

"It's also helped me learn about marketing strategies, and bringing new ideas to the company."

Full mix of skills

During her time on the apprenticeship, Olivia was involved in a real mix of projects and tasks. She reflected on some of the work she was involved with and how the projects that formed part of her apprenticeship ultimately helped her both in her role and with her studies.

"I learnt lots of different skills, ranging from Search Engine Marketing (SEM), and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), digital marketing strategies, coding and HTML.

"I also became very confident in using different software programmes such as MailChimp for email marketing and used multiple programmes for content creation.

"I think I learnt everything you need to know to get started in a marketing career. In terms of projects, I was able to help build the new SPB website, run my own email and social campaigns, analyse data in order to create reports and so much more."

Supported throughout

Olivia also mentioned how her employer supported her through each of the units she was required to complete as part of her apprenticeship, and how they set her tasks that coincided with the requirements of each unit.

"I found it really impressive in the way that each programme led onto the next. The company I worked for took note of this, and made sure each module we completed interlinked with the tasks I was doing at work, so that I could get a better understanding of how the module looks in real life.

"When we studied coding for example, the tasks in my role revolved around coding, HTML email building, and any other tasks associated with coding."

Positive experience & Job offer!

Not only did Olivia successfully gain a Distinction award after completing her apprenticeship, but her employer also offered her a full-time role as a Digital Marketing Assistant.

Olivia reflected on her apprenticeship as a whole, as well as highlighting how she would recommend this route to others who are interested in pursuing a career in digital marketing.

"This apprenticeship has been the best, I've learnt so much and gained so many valuable skills. The support offered by Just IT too was unbelievable. There's always someone you can go to for any sort of question you have. It's an extremely easy-to-navigate pathway compared to other apprenticeships I've heard of.

"It's a great way to not only learn the information you need to know in your chosen career path, but to also get hands on experience which is otherwise difficult to get.

"Getting your foot in the door and building your career with an apprenticeship is the best, I will always be an advocate for apprenticeships due to my journey and how far it's got me.

"I’m so glad I chose to do an apprenticeship. I believe there's endless benefits, including hands on work experience, learning new skills you may otherwise not have learnt and also getting paid at the same time."

Congratulations Olivia, and the very best of luck in your marketing career!

Interested in an Apprenticeship?

If you’re interested in pursuing an apprenticeship, please contact our digital and IT apprenticeships provider, Just IT.

They can help you take your first steps towards a digital career while learning and earning at the same time.

For more information, please visit the Just IT website.

The B2W Group has a fresh approach to transforming businesses by up-skilling their current staff or bringing an apprentice into the business to add a dynamic and dedicated individual to the team. All of our courses are available through various streams of government funding so are a cost-effective way to provide high-quality training within the workplace.

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