CATEGORY: e-shot-team

Career growth through apprenticeships

Embarking on a career journey can be both exciting and daunting, especially when deciding between different paths such as university, apprenticeships, or direct entry into the workforce. For many, apprenticeships offer a unique opportunity to gain practical experience while learning on the job. In this interview, we speak with three members of our customer success team who began their career through an apprenticeship and has since progressed into a role that allows them to develop their skills and contribute meaningfully to e-shot. They share their experience, insights, and advice for those considering a similar path.

Career Progression

Can you tell us a bit about your current role and responsibilities? 

Dee: "I manage the onboarding of new clients. This is where I talk to clients / email them on a regular basis and making sure their account with us is tailored to their needs."  

Harry: "My current role revolves around product and comms. In particular product marketing and our customer comms. I am responsible for helping with new releases from spec to writing the help articles for new features. Customer comms involves keeping our customers updated through the likes of a monthly newsletter." 

Izzy: "In my current role, I handle a variety of tasks, including designing email templates for our public sector clients, managing our social media presence, and creating engaging visuals for our blog and social platforms. I’m also involved in a range of other marketing activities to support our overall strategy." 

How has your career progressed since completing your apprenticeship? 

Dee: "I’ve been given a lot more responsibilities and even get to manage some projects. I’ve expressed to my manager that I would like to look into the project management side of Marketing, and he’s given me some opportunities to explore that." 

Harry: "I have been given more responsibilities and am an established member of the team in a growing company. I have been given opportunities to do more of what I want to do, helping me to build confidence in areas I see myself working in over my career." 

Izzy: "As I’ve gained more responsibility, I’ve been able to take on tasks that better align with my skill set, allowing me to contribute more effectively in my role." 

Impact of Apprenticeship 

How did your apprenticeship prepare you for the working world? 

Dee: "It allowed me to develop my communication skills and build the rapport with our clients. It made me think how our new clients can have a better experience on the system. It also allowed me to prepare for a fast past environment and the transition from apprentice to full fledge employee was seamless."  

Harry: "It gave me hands on experience in an area I wanted to progress in, teaching me both technical skills and workplace expectations. My apprenticeship also helped me with soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem solving. The main benefit was it offered exposure to real world challenges I now experience week in week out, making the transition to a full-time job smoother." 

Izzy: "It gave me valuable insight into full-time work, teaching me how to collaborate with others and manage my time effectively. It also helped me discover the career paths I’m interested in, as well as those that may not be the right fit for me." 

What were the most valuable skills or lessons you learned during your apprenticeship? 

Dee:

• "Making sure I’m organised  

• Building strong rapports with colleagues which makes working fun  

• Always listen to people and take on feedback  

• Never say no to any opportunities " 

Harry:

• "Organisational skills  

• Hands on experience 

• Teamwork: Collaborating with my colleagues 

• Communication: Interacting with colleagues and customers 

• Customer service 

• Writing/documentation"  

Izzy: I learned to trust myself, believe in my abilities, and step outside my comfort zone. I accomplished things I once thought I couldn’t, all while being in a supportive environment where I could continue learning with guidance from my colleagues and teachers. 

Challenges & Successes 

What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?

Dee: "Doing an apprenticeship opens many doors for you and allows you to gain real world experience. Even if you don’t like something continue doing it as it’s learning opportunity you will benefit from it in the future."

Harry: "Make sure you pick the right employer for you, don't jump into the first opportunity you are offered. You want to ensure you feel you will progress under your chosen employer and that it is right for you." 

Izzy: "It's okay if you're unsure about which path to take as clarity comes with experience. I encourage you to stay open to opportunities and keep an open mind, as each experience can help guide you toward the right path that you might not have thought you would take." 

How do you think apprenticeships compare to other career routes, such as university? 

Dee: "I went to university and saw how professors were not really engaging, and I couldn’t keep the information in. I realised doing an apprenticeship allowed me to learn whilst working and has allowed me to actually obtain the information I learned. Depending on how you like to learn I would highly recommend apprenticeships. Working in a small organisation has meant I have had more 1-2-1 learning experiences and I have been able to grow within my role and manage small projects."

Harry: "For me personally, I considered uni but it never stood out to me as something I must do. If you are someone who likes learning on the job (practical work) and don't need to go to uni for the qualifications, then I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship. Looking back now I am more than happy I chose the apprenticeship path." 

Izzy: If you're unsure whether university is the right path for you, I highly recommend considering an apprenticeship. It allows you to explore different career options while gaining hands-on experience, earning a qualification, and continuing to learn in a professional setting. It’s also a great stepping stone to launching your career. 

This interview highlights the invaluable experiences and lessons that come with an apprenticeship. From gaining hands-on skills and professional confidence to discovering the right career path, apprenticeships provide a solid foundation for long-term success.

Whether you're at the start of your career journey or exploring alternative routes, an apprenticeship could be the stepping stone you need. As our interviewee shared, staying open to opportunities and embracing the learning process can lead to unexpected and rewarding career growth.

Find out more about the Forfront apprenticeship programme