What is it like to study an apprenticeship? Hear Olivia's story.

I had never put much thought into apprenticeships or what they could offer. Like most people, I assumed they progressed into vocational careers.

I had started college doing A Levels but after completing my first year, I realised I no longer enjoyed the subjects I had picked. The process of switching courses was very easy and I restarted college to do an Extended Diploma in Art and Design. I loved being able to spend every day doing what I was passionate about and after 2 years, I finished with a Distinction (an added bonus)!

From here I left college and began working full time. When Covid hit, I had more time to think about what I wanted to do. I’d decided I didn’t want to go to university and began to see that most jobs needed a degree or experience in their field. Having neither of those things, I started to explore how I could start a career, which is how I found apprenticeships! I saw apprenticeships as the perfect combination of a paid job, high-quality training and real-life experiences.

Like most people my age I have grown up using social medias. I had never even considered that I could do this as a career until I discovered Digital Marketing. I applied for and was offered an apprenticeship at North Yorkshire Business and Education Partnerships (NYBEP) in Digital Marketing after having an interview. NYBEP are an organisation who partnership with education and businesses to support young people and prepare them for their future.

I had no experience of working in an office before I started. In fact, the only offices I had ever seen were on the television! I was so nervous for my first day however, the whole team have been amazing in supporting me and made me feel at home straight away!

Some of the things I do in my day-to-day life as an apprentice include identifying our target audience, analysis, creating campaigns for our social media channels, updating our website and creating design work for promotional materials. Each day in the office is different, and I face a new challenge most days, which I love!

I attend college every Thursday to complete my qualification. Starting at 21, I was worried that I would be slightly older and not be able to fit in. However, there is such a diverse range of people at College and apprenticeships are open to any age, so this was far from the case!

Being an apprentice has been a fantastic experience, and I have loved every minute of it. I am lucky to be surrounded by so many supportive people both at NYBEP and at York College, who all genuinely have my best interest at heart.

Being an apprentice in a stable career, has also allowed me to buy my first home at 21, something I never thought I’d be able to do so young!

If you think an apprenticeship could be for you, click here to find out more.