Q & A: We ask the employer, Why did you decide to take on Apprentices?
National Apprenticeship week is here so, we wanted to ask the employer a few questions about why they believe in the apprenticeship scheme as well as how it has benefited the company.
So, how long have Napier had apprentices within the company?
We found our first marketing apprentice in 2014. Since then we have run apprenticeship programmes with two more marketing apprentices and one digital marketing apprentice.
How many apprentices did you decide to hire, and why?
We didn’t have a number at the start, but we now love to have at least one apprentice within the company at all times. Participating in an apprenticeship scheme means we can regularly add to our talent pool and give young marketers the chance to develop and progress within our company.
Why do you think it’s important to have a diverse workplace?
I think it’s really important to have a diverse workplace because it means that within the company we have varied work styles, opinions and ideas. An ideal workplace has a range of diversity and with that comes many different strengths and talents.
How do you think an apprenticeship differs from university, specifically in the marketing industry?
University is a great experience, but the marketing landscape is constantly changing with new technologies and strategies coming into play. Apprentices who work within the company learn to adapt to these changes, more so than someone who has taken a degree.
I think possibly the biggest difference between taking a degree and an apprenticeship is the style of learning. Everyone learns best in different ways. While an apprenticeship will provide the perfect course for those who prefer learning in a practical environment, university is obviously more academic. Apprentices also get experience from working in a team at Napier; we are a very close team and will often work on projects together.
What happens after the apprenticeship has finished?
At Napier we have given full-time roles to every apprentice that joined the company. They continue to learn as we also see the benefit of taking Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) evening courses at Chichester college.
We have had several staff, not just apprentices, who have also enrolled on the CIM evening course.
There are also higher levels of apprenticeships that some may choose to take.
Do you see opportunity for taking on new apprentices?
Yes, I feel there will always be opportunities for apprentices to join the Napier team. There is definitely work to go around and we enjoy giving people the chance to learn and develop within this industry.
How does the coursework affect the apprentice’s workload?
One of the great things about apprenticeships is that it is mostly course work based. Much of the work that apprentices do within Napier can be used as evidence for their college portfolios.
It’s great to see apprentices bringing what they learnt in college to the workplace.
What made you decide to take on apprentices in the first place?
We had heard about apprenticeships in the media, and then attended a presentation about the scheme at Chichester College. We were impressed by the quality of apprentices at the event, and the college made the process of finding talented and enthusiastic individuals who wanted to start a marketing career with Napier very easy.
Why not read some of our other blogs that have been in support of National Apprenticeship Week?
From Apprentice to Marketing Specialist - Taylor's Journey
Emily's Level 3 Apprenticeship Experience at College
