Tom Foster, Van Elle’s Marketing Apprentice, tells us what it is like to take on an apprenticeship after going to university.
At the time you are reading this, I have completed the final assessment for my Digital Marketing Apprenticeship and I’m eagerly waiting to find out how I have done. Well, I hope.
After finishing university with a foundation degree in TV & Film Production Technology and a bachelor’s degree in Creative Media Technologies, I found it hard to break into the industry.
Whilst struggling to find work, but still wanting to be able to use my creativity and eye for detail, I came across the Digital Marketing level 3 apprenticeship with CT Skills.
Without hesitation, after attending a taster session, I knew this was the route I wanted to take.
I started at Van Elle in August 2019 aged 24, working in our Training Centre, where I helped to promote the courses the company offers and carried out administrative duties. Despite having a degree, I still found that it was a huge learning curve.
After gradually being given more responsibilities, I was moved from the Training Centre to the Marketing and Communications team as a full-time Digital Marketing Apprentice supporting the wider business.
Just as I had got to grips with the training side of the industry, it was all new to me again.
My day-to-day duties now involve creating content, such as case studies into the precise and intricate projects Van Elle takes on, along with managing the company’s social media channels.
Doing an apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to learn so much about myself and how I work in the last year and a half.
And, I have learnt so much academically about digital marketing, which is such a detail oriented and complex subject.
With the use of remote working technology and frequent communication through Microsoft Teams, I have been able to build strong working relationships with colleagues and carry out key projects with ease, such as our World Suicide Prevention Day, Brew Monday, and now National Apprenticeship Week campaigns.
Following the completion of my apprenticeship, I want to continue to learn on the job, hone my skills and help Van Elle build on their digital presence, specifically through their website and social media.