What's it like doing an apprenticeship?

Lauren has been our Marketing and Communications Apprentice for the past seven months and she's really enjoyed her time here. She has grown and progressed, come a long way from when she first started and really come into her own. Read about her experience in a blog she's written about her time here and how she's found her apprenticeship so far.

I started at the Creative Quarter on 1 August 2016, and it's been nothing short of a pleasure. In the time that I've worked here, I've done so many amazing things, I've met up with all kinds of businesses and people and really gained a feel for what the Creative Quarter is all about. From working here, I've learnt that the creative and digital industries are growing in Nottingham and it's amazing to be a part of that growth. By meeting new businesses and entrepreneurs I've been able to get a great insight into where I'd like to head for my future career. I've had the privilege of working with a great team too, they've taught me so much and been consistent with my training throughout my time here.

I've been given a lot of fantastic opportunities while working here. For example, I'm working on a project with Nottingham Trent University and taking up a short creative photography course with them! I wouldn't have been able to do these things if I weren't with the Creative Quarter so I'm really grateful, these opportunities will really benefit my future and enhance my experience and skills.

While being here I've discovered that I really enjoy photography and capturing nice imagery. The Creative Quarter team have also been a huge encouragement and great support system in this and have pushed me to pursue it further. So the company's camera has become my best friend! I take it to every event and occasion or any given opportunity. I grab the camera and off I go to take lovely photos that people may enjoy and I share these on our Instagram and other social media platforms. I also got advised to create a photography Instagram as a way of documenting all my photos and having an online portfolio, so all my pictures are in one place. So recently I've been working on building that up.

I've been able to really work on my writing style and editing my own pieces for our news stories and blogs. Halfway through my apprenticeship I got given the task of doing our E-News that goes out to our subscribers every couple of weeks! This was a great project for me as it's a key part of the company. Being given a great deal of responsibility pushed me out of my comfort zone and I gained more confidence in the end.

While doing all these amazing and exciting things, I've also been working to gain my Digital Marketing qualifications at the 3aaa Academy here in Nottingham. I completed my level 3 in January and started my level 4 in February! I'm looking forward to the projects I'll be working on throughout my qualification. I really enjoyed doing level 3 and learning new things throughout the whole year I was studying. I feel I'm constantly improving what I know and what I'm doing as I'm always wanting to do better than I did in order to progress and grow in my career and for my future in this industry.

I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone who's looking to create a positive future for themselves, it's amazing for someone who doesn't have a great amount of experience. They would be able to pick up all they needed to know while working. I'm having a brilliant time while working for The Creative Quarter and thankful for all the opportunities it's given me so far. It's making me look forward to the future more

To see some of Lauren's photography, projects and what she's doing check out her Instagram and Twitter

Find out more about National Apprenticeship Week 2017 here

Read about 3aaa in the showcase Lauren did with them.

What’s it like being an apprentice in the wider Creative Quarter area? Read some of the apprentices’ stories here