Emily Martin is completing her Level 4 Marketing Executive Apprenticeship with Darke & Taylor through Oxford Professional Education. Read on as Emily shares insights into her apprenticeship and how it has positively impacted her career at Darke & Taylor.
What was your background before starting your apprenticeship?
Before starting my apprenticeship I had just completed my A-levels. I did Business, Sociology and English Literature and Language, in addition to this I was Head Girl. I did my work experience with the Marketing team at Microsoft which highlighted to me that Marketing was definitely what I wanted my career to be.
Why did you decide to sign up to the apprenticeship?
I made the decision to sign up to the apprenticeship because I didn’t feel I would excel in University. Seeing my learning translate into real results is what drives me – an apprenticeship was the perfect way to make that happen!
How are you finding studying an apprenticeship?
I am really enjoying my apprenticeship, I feel that I am able to confidently ask questions, as well as knowing where to go if I need any extra support.
How does the apprenticeship support your daily work?
This apprenticeship has given me insight into the way we market Darke & Taylor. My manager is extremely open to new ideas so that has allowed me to not only share my knowledge, but put it into practice and as a result I have been able to track my progress and see the effect this apprenticeship has had in a short amount of time.
Tell us about the company and what your job role involves?
Darke & Taylor is a construction company that specialises in a range of building services, from design to delivery and maintenance of all Mechanical, Electrical, Fire, Security and data systems. I am a Marketing apprentice, so my job role involves posting on social media, collecting content, planning events, attending events, curating presentations, and much more!
How does Oxford Professional Education support you in your apprenticeship?
As we have monthly and quarterly review sessions, I am able to ask any questions that I may not be able to ask in lessons. I am also able to ask very subject specific questions. This has really helped deepen my knowledge and develop my understanding.
Would you recommend this apprenticeship to others?
Yes I think it’s a great opportunity to learn and see your learning come alive! You are able to see the results of your knowledge and we get taught to a high level.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting an apprenticeship?
My main piece of advice would be collect baseline knowledge, I know that it really helped to have the knowledge from my Business A-Level and allowed me to feel more comfortable that I understood the first few months of learning.
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.