It’s National Apprenticeship Week! Hear from Dan Behrens – our Place Marketing Apprentice, below – as he shares his experience as an apprentice, now that he is reaching the end of the scheme!
This week we have joined in the celebrations of National Apprenticeship Week, with Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, who have offered a number of exciting events to the apprentices.
Dan, 19, is now approaching the final two months in his position, after joining the team 16 months ago. He has been a big part of the Redcar | Cleveland Ambassador programme and place marketing work. In this time, he’s had the experience of assisting with and attending 11 ambassador events, forming connections with our network of 750 Ambassadors; he has received important experience in marketing, and has developed his work skill sets significantly since first starting in the role, improving in his social and communication skills, organisational skills, and technical accuracy.
Dan said: “It’s been an unforgettable experience working in my role, I have gained vital experiences required in a workplace, and I have developed as a person significantly. Working as a marketing apprentice has been fantastic for my social and communication skills, the course has pushed me out of my comfort zone and put me in situations which I would have previously been uncomfortable with, such as liaising with business representatives and other stakeholders at events.”
As an apprentice, Dan works on a marketing course, and has recently achieved a distinction in a multiple choice test, and we hope that he can continue along this path to achieve the full distinction at the end of his course! For his college project, he has chosen a positive promotion article on the Palace Hub, in Redcar, with the intention of shining a light on the businesses and the positive work ongoing within the business centre. The article will be released on our web site and social media channels in the near future!
Dan said: “I would recommend apprenticeships to people of all ages! For younger people, apprenticeships are a brilliant stepping stone in your working career, you obtain essential work and life experience, you get the experience of a working environment, and you are able to earn while you learn, leaving your course with a qualification at the end of it. For older people, apprenticeships can be incredibly useful for a change in career, it can be a great building block for a new start, and you can gain experience in a new field.”
“The course itself has been a great experience, and one I won’t forget. I’ve been given experience working in an office environment, understanding how to work alongside others, and how to work independently. I have been surrounded by amazing people, who have supported me throughout my time here. I’d like to give a special mention to the Business Engagement team, which I am situated within, and to my manager, Richard Baker, who has taught me the ins and outs of marketing, the importance of being precise, and has assured that I get the most out of my apprenticeship.”
Place Marketing Manager, Richard Baker said: “Dan has really developed in his time with us. I’ve seen his confidence grow as his apprenticeship has progressed, and he’s a ‘different person’ compared to when he first walked through the door. His planning and organisational skills have really developed and he’s shown excellent creative skills through digital marketing output. I’m confident that Dan will use the skills and experience he has gained on his apprenticeship and within our team, to progress through the early stages of a great career.”
