The 3rd – 9th of February marks National Apprenticeship Week when the business community celebrates apprenticeships and the value they bring.
Throughout the past few years, the number of apprentices has grown rapidly as more and more people become employed through apprenticeship schemes. It is really important for both employers and potential candidates to understand the dynamics and benefits of apprenticeships.
Digital Storm started utilising Apprenticeships back in 2016. We employ from all sources including apprenticeships, university graduates and more experienced people, however, we really see the benefits of using the apprenticeship programs to attract passionate, talented individuals. Currently though, based on figures from a new YouGov survey, only one in ten 15 to 18-year-olds are being encouraged to take up an apprenticeship by their schoolteachers. The research was commissioned by training provider JTL ahead of National Apprenticeship Week, it found that 73 per cent of students reported that the most likely recommendation from their school or sixth form would be to follow a university route. Therefore, we think it is really important that more people are made aware of apprenticeships and the benefits. Please read below an extract from our newest addition to the Digital Storm team, Olivia Girling, a digital marketing apprentice who started with us in September of last year:
“As soon as I knew I wanted a career in the digital industry, I knew gaining practical experience and knowledge would be extremely valuable. I knew that University wasn’t for me and I wanted to be in a professional work environment. What I have learned so far from my apprenticeship has been far more valuable than what I could learn in a classroom, and therefore I am happy this was the route I choose to take. When I told my friends and family this, most were shocked and didn’t even know apprenticeships were an option after GCSEs at the age of 16. Entering the world of work and diving headfirst into a full-time job at Digital Storm was a challenge, but one I’m very proud of!
My apprenticeship allows me to have the role and responsibility of being part of a working agency, while also allowing me to continue my education and study to gain valuable qualifications. Digital Storm, as an agency, is an ideal environment for my apprenticeship. I work within the marketing team, also working closely alongside our graphic design and web development teams. This allows me to see and learn along the entire process from the first client meeting design, build and then finally marketing. It gives me a huge understanding of the work and skills involved – far more than any textbook in a classroom!
I haven’t looked back once since beginning my apprenticeship with Digital Storm, and I’d recommend an apprenticeship to anyone thinking about working within this industry.“