Tom Reason - Level 6 Digital Marketer Degree Apprenticeship
Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?
"It was a little bit out of the blue in all honesty. My employer had completed a course with NTU and as a result he was contacted when this new course became available.
I have had a keen interest in marketing for a number of years, and self-taught myself up until this point. However, when I was asked whether I wanted to gain a formal qualification such as this, paid for through a government scheme, I jumped at the opportunity."
What stands out about NBS and NTU?
"It is a really lovely environment where everyone I have met is so friendly and welcoming. The lecturers, although clearly very knowledgeable in their fields, are approachable and humble and clearly very passionate about providing an incredible level of teaching."
How do you believe this apprenticeship will affect both your current job role and future career?
"My marketing knowledge has developed significantly. This has had a huge impact towards me gaining a promotion at work into a more senior position within the business. Although I do not plan to move job, the training I have received, and particularly the CIM Diploma I will hopefully gain, puts me in a really strong position to move into other marketing roles should I wish to. I really am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and although it has been very challenging at times, I do not regret taking it on for one second."
How would you rate the teaching and support staff on this apprenticeship?
"Fantastic! Both from the lecturers and the administrative staff. You are never made to feel silly at all with any questions you have and it feels like a really safe place to learn and develop both personally and professionally."
What do you think of the facilities available at NBS?
"The NOW learning room is a great piece of tech. Really easy to use and it has made the mix of onsite and offsite learning really straightforward and enjoyable."
What is your favourite thing about your apprenticeship?
"I think attending the uni days and the discussions with peers and lecturers. Even just going for coffee and chatting in between lectures! But the onsite days always leave me feeling incredibly motivated and passionate about getting back to work and putting into practice what I have learnt from the course."
What skills and experience have you gained as part of this apprenticeship? Has there been anything that you were not expecting?
"My knowledge around so many different areas of marketing has developed more than I thought it would. Particularly with regards to building high quality strategic marketing plans supported by the right theory and frameworks. It has really helped me develop professionally and improve the way we build and execute marketing plans at work."
What advice would you give to someone considering a higher/degree apprenticeship?
"I think it is really important to understand that it is not easy. You do have to make sacrifices and be prepared to work hard into some of your evenings and weekends. They will not just hand you a degree and you therefore have to go and earn it. Obviously, some parts of the year are far quieter in terms of university work, but I do think it is important people are prepared for this when signing up.
However, it is completely worth the hard work and a really enjoyable experience that will develop you both personally and professionally. If you get the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship like this, you should grab it with both hands."
To learn more about our apprenticeship courses, please contact apprenticeships@ntu.ac.uk.