Apprenticeships: Getting a leg-up in your marketing career
Jonathan felt stuck in the classroom. And he was tired of working in a job he didn’t like. So he started a 14-month digital marketing apprenticeship – at Wallet.Services in Edinburgh. And it changed everything.
By 21, he’d completed his qualification, been promoted to Digital Marketing Manager – and has a career he’s proud of.
A fork in the road
"For me, an apprenticeship is the most logical next step for a school-leaver to take. I was tired of being in the classroom after going through 13 years of school, a course on interactive media at college and working a job I didn't like. I knew I had to do something with my life, but didn't know what I wanted – or how to get it. So I spent my free time socialising, playing games and sleeping. It may sound like a dream, but all play and no work makes Jonathan a dull boy. It was time for a change."
A career to be proud of
"At Wallet.Services, I help our sales and development teams do what they’re best at. As it’s a young company, a lot of things weren’t created yet when I started – things like templates, email signatures and slide decks. I’ve implemented a visual style and brand for the company – it’s allowed us to stay consistent, both in how we look and what we say. Working on our social media and newsletter has given our brand a personality. "
Highlights reel
“There have been so many high points in my short career: meeting MPs and MSPs, events at Microsoft, helping our newest team member get to grips with her role – and my recent promotion. If I had to pick one, it would be seeing my graphic design work printed out on a huge stand at DIGIT Expo 18. I’m so passionate about design – and was proud of the work I produced. It was extremely validating and exciting. I’d never seen my work outside of a screen before."
A career leg-up
"My apprenticeship has given me a massive leg-up in my career. Had I gone to university, I wouldn’t have finished my course by this point – and I’d be worrying about finding a job on my own in the big bad world. I think a big marker for my success would be to one day work with an apprentice – to pass on my knowledge, that the people at QA and Wallet.Services have given me. Having said that, I’d also love to reach 1,000 followers on Twitter!"
Ready to transform your career? What are you waiting for. Do it now.