Supporting National Apprenticeship Week
National Apprenticeship Week (6-9th February) is well supported by RBLI, having 3 apprenticeship delegates currently employed and looking to increase this number in 2012. Not only does the scheme offer an opportunity for businesses to develop and train individuals for potential vacancies, it is a chance for delegates to ‘earn as you learn’ and can reward applicants with accredited qualifications. RBLI believes that the scheme is a great way for businesses to employ motivated, young people, keen to learn the ropes within real business environments.For National Apprenticeship Week, Nicole Freiter, RBLI’s Marketing Apprentice, explains how the apprenticeship scheme has been of benefit by giving her a diverse range of responsibilities, experience and opportunities whilst studying for a qualification.
“I joined RBLI at the beginning of October 2011 as a part of my apprenticeship in Business Administration at Kent College. I had left school earlier that year, with 10 GCSE’s and 4 a-levels, but I was uncertain with where to progress to next. At school I was always encouraged by my teachers to apply for university, it seemed that there were no other alternatives. However, I had never been fascinated by the idea of going to university as I have always been very hands-on and have found that I learn much more effectively when I am being pro-active. I began searching for an apprenticeship when the opportunity arose to become a marketing assistant at RBLI.
An apprenticeship appeared to be the best option for me because it provided me with the opportunity to work hands on in the working environment, giving me both the experience that I desired and a worthy qualification in Business Administration. I wanted to be actively involved, and this marketing role provided me with the opportunity to work in the marketing environment; combining two of my favourite studies from a level: Media and Business Studies.
Over the past few months I have thoroughly enjoy everything I have learnt both in the workplace and at college. The apprenticeship has proven to be extremely diverse, and I have been given the opportunity to undertake a variety of different roles and responsibilities each providing me with masses of knowledge, experience and skills that are invaluable.
At RBLI I have been involved in a range of marketing activities, from creating corporate literature such as leaflets and posters, writing articles and taking photos at various events. This is great experience that can be transferred to potential careers in the future. I have also been given the opportunity to attend various training courses such as, PR training, social media optimisation training and CRM training all of which have taught me a diverse range of new skills and have widened my knowledge base.
I would highly recommend anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship to go ahead and start applying. An apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to earn money, experience and a qualification all at the same time, whilst opening thousands of doors for a career in the future!”
For more information about the apprenticeship scheme visit: www.apprenticeships.org.uk