Emily Viarnaud has recently completed her Marketing Executive Apprenticeship with BQF through Oxford Professional Education and tells us what it’s been like to study for the apprenticeship.
What was your background before starting your apprenticeship?
I had over 20 years of experience in operations and continuous improvement many industries including in manufacturing, telecoms and retail.
Why did you decide to sign up to the apprenticeship?
I was offered a role in a not-for-profit membership organisation looking after operations, marketing and membership. I had no marketing or customer-facing experience experience which led me to believe an apprenticeship would be the best course for me.
How did the apprenticeship support your daily work?
The apprenticeship was very useful, and I was able to take many of the concepts and apply them immediately to my job. I loved working with a small group, as it offered lots of opportunity for discussion and learning from each other.
By doing an apprenticeship I felt it gave me credibility when speaking to all levels of the organisation to making me feel more secure in the decisions I was making. Doing an apprenticeship allowed me to think about the broader perspective of my role and the organisation.
Tell us about the company and what your job role involves?
BQF is a small not-for-profit organisation which specialises in the supporting organisational excellence through awards, certifications and membership.
I look after all aspects of the organisation apart from finance and governance and have a team of 2 to support me in this.
How does Oxford Professional Education Group support you in your apprenticeship?
Oxford Professional Education have been really helpful in supporting my learning whenever I needed anything.
Would you recommend this apprenticeship to others?
Yes, definitely.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting an apprenticeship?
Don’t underestimate the workload. It is very worthwhile but you have to put the effort in.
Oxford Professional Education Apprenticeships offer a range of marketing, project management, and procurement apprenticeships. If you are interested in completing an apprenticeship or would like to hire an apprentice for your company, get in touch with our team to find out more.