By Team Friel
According to Gov.UK, over half a million students have opted to take the apprentice route since 2019. Apprenticeships allow people to gain experience and valuable skills in a specific sector. There are many benefits for hiring an apprentice for employers such as time-saving, addressing shortages in the workplace, investing in talent and providing essential ‘on-the-job’ learning experiences.
More people are now choosing to become an apprentice, skipping out on more traditional educational methods. So what's so great about undertaking a Marketing Apprenticeship? We sat down with the two latest additions to our flock, Nia and Libby to see how they are finding their first month of being at Friel!
Tell everyone a bit about yourself!
L: Hey! My name is Libby and I am a content producer apprentice here at Friel. I love graphic design/art and overall being creative. Luckily I was given a place here at Friel to be a content producer apprentice which is the perfect role for me and I am loving my time here so far.
N: Hey everyone! I am Nia, a Digital Marketing apprentice here at Friel. I have been working with Friel since 2019 as a part-time Social Media assistant, however, in September 2021, I was given the opportunity of joining full time as a Digital Marketing apprentice.
Why did you decide to become a marketing apprentice?
L: I decided to become a marketing apprentice because I’ve always had a creative side to me and I was eager to share that with the Friel team.
N: During my A-Levels, I had to make the daunting decision of figuring out what I wanted to do after my studies. There were four main paths that I could go down; take a gap year, go to university, work full time or become an apprentice. I originally wanted to go to Uni however I did not want the debt on the other side of it or to move away from home. A full-time job was my second option but I felt that I still needed to further my knowledge by staying in education. The degree apprenticeship stood out to me as I would be able to earn an income whilst still getting an education.
What's it been like working for Friel?
L: Working for Friel so far has been an amazing experience and I have learnt a lot about the world of marketing whilst being here and I've already had the chance to help out with some graphic design and social media content. The people are extremely supportive and will always be on the ball when I’m struggling with something and need help.
N: So far working at Friel has been amazing. I have already learnt so much from working here full time for only a month and that is all thanks to the team. We all have each other's backs here in the office and I always feel that I can talk to anyone if I am struggling with my workload.
How do you find a balance between studying for your digital marketing apprenticeship and working?
L: I do school work every Friday to keep up with everything and for the rest of the week I have been completing my Google Fundamentals training or other design/scheduling work I get assigned.
N: My work week consists of working for 4 days and studying for 1. My apprenticeship requires me to spend 20% of my work hours on my studies which is why I have one full day dedicated to it. Having a full day dedicated to my studies allows me to stay up to date with my work as it is set.
Is this your first experience of work?
L: Two years ago, covid was introduced which was hard for everyone. Sadly, that meant my work experience in 2020 at my school was cancelled. The school gave us the opportunity to do work experience, but in the summer if we really wanted to. I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to work for Friel in the summer.
N: No. I previously worked at Debenhams for 6 months before it was shut down and I also worked at the Premier (yes the corner shop) for 2 years. Friel is definitely the best job I have had as everyone is so kind and I am constantly expanding my knowledge.
Would you recommend doing an apprenticeship?
L: I strongly recommend becoming an apprentice. Why? Doing an apprenticeship in something you love is such an amazing opportunity because you get to learn lots and get to also do fun practicals - and you also get paid alongside this.
N: I would definitely recommend taking a degree apprenticeship. It is a way to gain experience in a specific work sector whilst getting qualifications for a degree. On top of this, you also avoid all of the debt you would get if you go to Uni.
What do you like doing outside of work?
L: I love baking, watching films and seeing friends and family.
N: I am a massive film geek so when I am not working you will most likely find me at the cinema or watching one in bed. My favourite film is Superbad and I am sad to admit that I have watched it over 10 times just this year!
What's your life motto?
L: ‘Work hard in silence, let success be your noise’
N: ‘Wherever life plants you, bloom with grace'
Thanks for your time guys, it’s been great to have you on board!
If you’re considering becoming Marketing Apprentice and would like to chat with Nia or Libby about what life is like at Friel, feel free to drop us a line at [email protected]. For any other marketing requirements, please get in touch directly.
