In today’s rapidly evolving job market, the concept of apprenticeships is gaining traction among professionals of all ages. While many associate apprenticeships with young individuals starting their careers, these programmes offer invaluable opportunities for adults seeking to enhance their skills and pivot into new fields. One such professional who has embraced this opportunity is Blueberry team member Reza, who has taken on a new challenge by enrolling in a Level 3 Digital Marketing apprenticeship.

When most people think of an apprentice, they picture a young school leaver starting their first job. But what if the apprentice is a 26-year-old professional with several years of experience? My name is Reza, and after five rewarding years at Blueberry, I decided to embark on a new challenge by enrolling in a Level 3 Digital Marketing apprenticeship.

From Business Executive to Digital Marketing Apprentice

After graduating from Cumbria University with a BA in Film and Television Production and Management, I moved back to Leeds and began my career at Blueberry. I joined the team in 2019 as a Business Development Executive, where I supported Account Managers and gradually took on more responsibilities. My dedication and performance led to promotions to Account Manager and then Team Leader, where I managed campaigns and led a team. Over the past year, my interest in digital marketing grew, particularly as I observed Rebecca, our Digital Marketing lead, tackle increasingly complex tasks.

Although I already had a degree, I wanted to learn more about Digital Marketing specifically, and I felt that doing a dedicated Level 3 Digital Marketing course would give me the insight I needed to develop my skills further. This decision has proven to be a rewarding addition to my professional journey, allowing me to explore a field I am passionate about.

Navigating the Transition

Transitioning from my established role to that of an apprentice was not without its challenges. Initially, I struggled to balance the demands of my apprenticeship with my existing work responsibilities. However, by implementing a structured routine and leveraging the support of the Blueberry team, I found the transition to be smoother than I anticipated. I dedicated specific hours each week to my apprenticeship, attending monthly training sessions and engaging in hands-on tasks that allowed me to apply my learning immediately. For instance, I recently worked on a project to optimise our website’s user experience, reinforcing my learning and contributing our team’s goals.

As part of my coursework, I’ve also tackled an SEO optimisation project that involved analysing our competitors’ strategies and implementing changes to improve our search engine rankings. The challenge was daunting, but the satisfaction of seeing tangible results made it incredibly fulfilling.

Support and Mentorship

A pivotal aspect of my apprenticeship has been the unwavering support from Rebecca and my course leaders. Their mentorship has been invaluable, providing me with guidance and constructive feedback that have significantly contributed to my professional growth. Regular check-ins and brainstorming sessions have clarified concepts and inspired me to think creatively about our marketing strategies. Their support has made all the difference in my journey.

Looking Forward: The Future of My Career

This apprenticeship has broadened my skill set and shifted my career aspirations toward digital marketing, particularly in SEO and data analysis. I envision a future where I can continue to grow within Blueberry’s digital marketing team, contributing to the innovative projects that drive our success. Reflecting on my journey, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how much I’ve learned and how well I’ve adapted to new challenges. If I could give advice to my younger self, it would be to remain open to new learning opportunities and tackle tasks with enthusiasm.

Conclusion: The Value of Apprenticeships

Overall, my apprenticeship has been an enriching experience and a vital step in my professional development. For anyone considering further education or a career change, I highly recommend exploring apprenticeships. They offer meaningful growth and the chance to expand your career in unexpected ways.