After UK Exam Results, Here's Why Apprenticeships Are Worth Considering
Abi Gosling is a senior account executive in the HAVAS Red North team who after achieving her A-Levels, chose to take part in a Level 4 PR Apprenticeship with the PRCA to enter the PR industry. After achieving a distinction, she worked in an agency for two years before being hired at HAVAS Red, after working in the Manchester agency for over a year, she is one of the youngest Senior Account Executives and would like to discuss her experience with the apprenticeship system.
With A-Level results day last week and GCSE results day last week, Abi shares her knowledge and experience with those wanting to enter the industry and hear about options other than the university route.
LBB> What paths do you think most 18-year-olds in the UK are expected to take once they finish their A-levels?
Personally, whilst I was studying for my A-Levels, the majority of the conversations I had with my school career advisors centred around UCAS and university applications. Many of my peers fell into the university route as it was the one they were being supported with and seemed like the easy and most obvious route at the time. We were never educated about the apprenticeship route or the other options at our disposal such as full-time work or online qualifications. It’s so important for those finishing GCSEs and A-Levels to be aware of all their options, above and beyond university. The more successful case studies there are from people who chose an alternative route to university, the better, in my opinion.
LBB> What motivated you to take on an apprenticeship and why is it the right choice for a lot of people at that age?
I was extremely passionate about entering the world of work, however I also loved to learn and felt as though I wasn’t finished with education. When exploring apprenticeships, I found that you could take part in a higher apprenticeship, gaining a Level 4 Diploma whilst working full time and gaining experience in the workplace. This seemed like an obvious decision for me, as it would eliminate the requirement for work experience after my education and allow to take my first step on the career ladder. I think many go to university for the experience, which is completely understandable, however, for people at that age who want to earn a steady income, know the career path they want to enter into and would prefer a mixture of work and education, apprenticeships are definitely the right choice.
LBB> Why is it a good path to take if you want to go into PR?
PR is a hands-on career path; you learn something new every day and no textbook or exam will give you the answers to everyday PR questions. Unless an agency is offering an undergraduate scheme or internship, they generally require 12 months’ experience. This is because the best way to learn the ways of PR is to jump in feet first and try everything, make mistakes, learn from them, and succeed. University modules may not always be at the forefront of the industry, given it is agile and the media landscape is ever evolving. This is where learning on the job benefits you, whilst also having the one day a week education to academically support your progression.
LBB> How have you grown and developed since you began your apprenticeship? How does that compare with a lot of people your age who went to university?
I am a completely different person both professionally and personally since starting my apprenticeship. It taught me valuable skills such as organisation, time management, managing up, the importance of proactivity and gave me confidence in myself and my abilities. Skills such as leading meetings, supporting campaigns, building relationships with journalists, client management and so much more are those that you pick up and learn by spending time with other PR professionals and leaning on them for support and guidance. Many of those my age who went to university have never had office or full-time work experience and are finding the concept of working full time very daunting. I do believe you can reach a further point in your career, as well as gaining a strong identity at a much earlier age than if you went to university.
LBB> What sort of professional do you think the apprenticeship has made you? And what sort of person would you recommend it for?
I believe the apprenticeship route has made me a grounded, confident and ambitious professional. I genuinely started from the bottom, learning from mistakes and overcoming hurdles along the way and I believe this approach has been the best for me and my way of learning. It is important to understand that you never truly stop learning, you can always improve, evolve and learn. Any student who is focussed, motivated, proactive, hardworking and outgoing should explore a PR apprenticeship.
