What's it really like to be an apprentice?
Macy Richardson, PR Apprentice at EngineeringUK talks about her apprenticeship.
There’s not a one size fits all approach when it comes to which career pathway to take. We need to celebrate, support and showcase all routes that are available to young people – and weeks like National Apprenticeship Week create a perfect opportunity for this.
Throughout my apprenticeship at EngineeringUK I have been exposed to so much. This has included filming interviews with our Chief Executive, trustees and colleagues, and working closely with journalists to secure media opportunities and coverage. I have also attended and been involved in industry events like The Big Bang Fair at the NEC and even the Houses of Parliament where I had the chance to meet my local MP, Sir James Duddridge, and talk about my experience of doing an apprenticeship. I have certainly experienced a lot and learnt and developed new skills along the way.
I really value the apprenticeship route because I have learnt first-hand from professionals in the PR industry, and gained valuable experience of what it is like to work in the real world. Not only have I grown professionally in my career development, but I have also grown personally. My apprenticeship has opened doors which I wouldn’t have been able to go through if I hadn’t had gone down this route. My confidence levels have drastically increased – my younger self would be shocked at how I’ve changed, and I think the opportunities I’ve been given at EngineeringUK have played a key part in this.
When I first started, I didn’t even know what a media clipping was! So I have clearly come a long way since then, because now there have been many times where I’ve secured media coverage in newspapers and magazines – and this shows just how much you can grow through doing an apprenticeship.
I have had the chance to meet so many new people in the industry and build lasting relationships, amongst those in my team at EngineeringUK as well as external stakeholders. This may not have been possible if I chose to go down the traditional, academic route of university so I am glad that I explored my options after school and didn’t follow the crowd.
One great thing about doing an apprenticeship is the fact that you learn on the go. Throughout my time being an apprentice, I have been supported by several colleagues at the PRCA, especially my coach, who have guided me through my course, sharing their tips and expertise with me constantly. Although it has been a challenge to juggle my studies with my day-to-day work, I have really enjoyed my apprenticeship and wouldn’t have it any other way.
