Continuing our National Apprenticeship celebrations, our Marketing Communications Specialist, Jack, has shared the story of his apprenticeship journey, how it helped him grow professionally, and how it led to him being shortlisted as a finalist at the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce annual awards.
What apprenticeship did you undertake, and tell us a bit about the course?
I undertook a PR and Communications Assistant apprenticeship. My course covered a wide range of skills related to Public Relations and Communications, including stakeholder engagement, current affairs and media, organisational structures, communication strategies, regulatory requirements and much more.
The skills and practices covered were relevant to my role and to the industry in which Baywater Healthcare operates. After each module, I applied my new skills and knowledge to projects that I am involved in, in my role at Baywater Healthcare.
What key skills did you learn on your course?
Key skills learned on my course included Stakeholder relationship building, the use of IT systems, content production, social media distribution, and data analysis – all skills that are important in my role. This upskilling opportunity, which I then integrated into my role, enabled me to enhance the work I was producing.
How did the knowledge and skills learnt on your apprenticeship support you in your role?
In my role as Marketing Communications Specialist, my job is diverse and different every day. I am involved in many internal and external campaigns across the organisation, and my apprenticeship gave me a strong set of skills and behaviours that focused on collaboration, accountability and teamwork. During my course, I was involved in several key projects, including launching our new internal communications platform, mobilising new contracts, and organising stakeholder events. During these projects, I was able to demonstrate the skills I had learnt and share my knowledge with other colleagues.
How did you balance your apprenticeship with your busy day-to-day job?
Time management is critical. When you have deadlines both in the workplace and on your apprenticeship, it is easy to be overwhelmed, but establishing when deadlines are and the time required to produce the work allows you to manage the balance needed to keep on top of both.
I have a very supportive manager who was involved in my apprenticeship experience, always allowing me time to study and balance my work at Baywater and on my apprenticeship. It is also clear to see the importance and value that Baywater places on apprenticeships and personal development, and, as a result, you feel incredibly supported by the whole company on your course.
What advice would you give to somebody considering undertaking an apprenticeship?
I would say to do it! An apprenticeship is a commitment, but a very worthwhile one. The knowledge, skills and behaviours it allows you to learn and implement in your role are priceless. My apprenticeship was an extremely valuable upskilling journey that has helped me grow both personally and professionally.
What are you most proud of about your apprenticeship?
I am proud of my whole apprenticeship journey and the positive impact it has had on my work and my role at Baywater. My proudest moment was being shortlisted as a finalist for the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce Awards in the Apprentice of the Year category. I was shortlisted alongside two extremely talented apprentices and enjoyed a fantastic awards evening last November!
