Abbie Souch recently completed her Marketing Assistant Apprenticeship with UKAEA through Oxford Professional Education. Read on as Abbie shares insights into her apprenticeship and how it has positively impacted her career at UKAEA.
What was your background before starting your apprenticeship?
Before starting my apprenticeship, I worked in retail and leisure. In my retail role, I had the opportunity to help with some marketing tasks, which sparked my initial interest in the field.
Why did you decide to sign up to the apprenticeship?
I first discovered my passion for marketing while studying a music and production course. That led me to take on small marketing tasks in my retail job, and I quickly realised I wanted to develop my skills further. After spending a few months applying for jobs, I came across the UKAEA marketing apprenticeship. The application process was long, but it was a really positive experience, and I knew it was the right next step for me.
How are you find studying an apprenticeship?
It’s been fantastic! My role has been incredibly varied, which has been great. I’ve had the opportunity to shadow other teams, work with different departments, and collaborate closely with the events team, gaining a wide range of experience.
The workshops have been really engaging and I’ve always had the opportunity to ask questions if needed. My tutor, Naomi, has been incredibly supportive throughout. I’m currently in the Gateway stage of my apprenticeship and will be moving into the End-Point Assessment (EPA) in the next few weeks.
How does the apprenticeship support your daily work?
The apprenticeship has given me a much better understanding of marketing processes and why I do things a certain way. It’s also been great to learn about aspects of marketing that I don’t directly work on in my current role, helping me see the bigger picture.
Tell us about the company and what your job role involves?
UKAEA is working to advance the research and delivery of safe and sustainable fusion energy, collaborating with other fusion organisations and adjacent sectors. The marketing team plays a key role in informing and educating people about fusion, and I work closely with the outreach team to help connect with schools and raise awareness of what UKAEA does.
In my role, I oversee the newsletter, maintain Mailchimp, and manage external email communications for events, webinars, and surveys. I also help with brochure design, production, and content writing. I’ve had the opportunity to work on copywriting for a range of content types and be involved in some really fun, creative projects.
How does Oxford Professional Education support you in your apprenticeship?
I’ve needed additional support at times and Oxford Professional Education has been really helpful. I’ve had regular check-ins with my trainer, who always ensures my needs are met, which has made a big difference.
Would you recommend this apprenticeship to others?
Absolutely! It’s been a great opportunity to develop my skills and gain a better understanding of the wider marketing landscape. The apprenticeship has helped me progress in my career, and I’d love to continue learning by taking the Level 4 Marketing Executive Apprenticeship with OxPE in the future.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting an apprenticeship?
Don’t give up! I applied for lots of apprenticeships before securing this one, and persistence really paid off.
Adjusting to learning again can take time, but having a supportive team around you makes a huge difference. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, there’s always support available. Also, use any quiet moments to stay on top of your apprenticeship work – it really helps in the long run.
I was also named ‘Apprentice of the Month’ this month, which I think is down to my planning and time management. I keep track of my tasks and make sure that if I have a bad week, it doesn’t impact the rest of my work. Having a supportive employer has really helped too.
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.