Jamie Lycett recently completed his PR and Communications Apprenticeship with Taylor & Francis through Oxford Professional Education. Read on as Jamie shares insights into his apprenticeship and how it positively impacted his role at Taylor & Francis.
What was your background before starting your apprenticeship?
I studied Media and Graphics throughout my time in college and even volunteered at my local hospital radio. I left traditional upper education to join a technical college to complete my GCSE’s whilst simultaneously achieving BTECs in various media/computing subjects.
Why did you decide to sign up to the apprenticeship?
After reviewing University offers, I felt an apprenticeship allowed a hands on learning style more aligned to myself. I prefer to learn practically and on the job and this was something an apprenticeship offered that university couldn’t. I felt that the workplace experience would set me aside from graduates as I would have a proven track record rather than only a qualification behind me.
How did you find studying an apprenticeship?
The apprenticeship has been wonderful, it’s provided me with so many work and even life skills that wouldn’t have been possible elsewhere. My tutors felt like real life mentors who I admired and looked up to thanks to their career and achievements. The workbooks provided challenge and kept you thinking whilst bolstering your skills at the same time, I feel like this is the perfect start to my career and I look forward to the future.
How did the apprenticeship support your daily work?
The apprenticeship complemented my daily work in it’s themes and tasks, I could relate my day to day work and educational work to each other which made every step feel relevant. It was easy to tailor my weekly tasks to coincide with my study for that week which helped bolster my understanding of many different themes and ideas. Many processes and frameworks were easy to utilise in day to day work which helped them become part of your routine working style.
Tell us about the company and what your job role involves?
I work with Taylor & Francis, An academic publisher, Taylor & Francis publishes knowledge and specialty research spanning humanities, social sciences, science and technology, engineering, medicine and more. I sit within the Internal Communications team at T&F, I oversee many different pieces of communication across a variety of different channels. I draft emails sharing news to the business, create engagement reports for key company updates, arrange and create/ post the playbacks of the Quarterly Business Updates. I also am in the second year of being the communications lead for our global charity initiative Walk the World, I liaise with stakeholders in Bengaluru all the way to Auckland to ensure they’re creating the correct content and placing it in the right area
How does Oxford Professional Education Group support you in your apprenticeship?
OXPEG give you the best chance to be the best version of yourself, there is always someone an email away who can help if it isn’t already covered on their extensive learning platform OneFile. They’ve created a supportive and inclusive nature where you’ll never feel uncomfortable in asking a question or getting help. The content is detailed and high level so you’re always given the best chance to retain the knowledge and truly understand the core themes.
Would you recommend this apprenticeship to others?
I couldn’t recommend this apprenticeship enough. I’ve personally developed and grown so much throughout this apprenticeship I feel like a completely different person with higher aspirations than ever before. All of these skills are transferable and desired so it’s a perfect head start into a long and prosperous career.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting an apprenticeship?
Use every chance at your disposal to gain knowledge and improve yourself. Incremental improvements add up to something great so always prioritise self improvement and development. Your tutors are highly skilled and have gained many career experiences, don’t be scared to unpick those experiences and use them to further your knowledge and understanding of the industry.
Oxford Professional Education 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.