Izzie Stacey is currently completing her Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketer Apprenticeship with Carnival UK through Oxford Professional Education. Read on as Izzie shares her experiences with her apprenticeship and the positive impact it has had on her career at Carnival UK.
What was your background before starting your apprenticeship?
I had been working in recruitment for over ten years in a blend of industries, and with some very well known, highly renowned brands. I had a lot of experience in providing recruitment support to managers within these businesses and really enjoyed matching talent to new opportunities.
Why did you decide to sign up to the apprenticeship?
Whilst working within the Talent Acquisition team, I had the opportunity to lead recruitment marketing activities, attracting and exciting potential candidates about careers at Carnival UK. With a keen interest in marketing, I enrolled in a course to support these activities and further develop my knowledge in this area.
How are you finding the apprenticeship?
The apprenticeship has exceeded my expectations, and I look forward to classes every month. My tutor is both insightful and encouraging, and the content has been engaging. I can easily apply what I have learnt to my day-to-day role. It has given me confidence in an area that was new to me, and as a result, I have taken my career in a new direction and am now in a full-time marketing role!
How does the apprenticeship support your daily work?
The apprenticeship has provided an excellent entry into multi-channel marketing and has supplemented my learning with valuable knowledge and skills. I feel my apprenticeship has given me the confidence to utilise these skills and trust that I have the required knowledge to implement them in my work.
Tell us about the company and what your job role involves?
Carnival UK is the operating company for P&O Cruises and Cunard, providing world-class cruise holidays and bringing to life two of the most iconic brands from Britain’s rich seafaring heritage. In my new role in the Cunard CRM team, I support the email communications and direct mail activities within our customer journeys marketing strategy.
How does Oxford Professional Education support you in your apprenticeship?
The team at Oxford Professional Education Group have been friendly and flexible throughout. Regular progress reviews have been helpful in tracking my progress, and the team are always on hand to assist with anything I need. They also do a great job of checking in on wellbeing, which is equally important when balancing work and studying.
Would you recommend this apprenticeship to others?
Without a doubt!
What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting an apprenticeship?
It can sometimes feel challenging to take on a qualification while working full-time, so I would encourage planning in your study time so it feels manageable to you, however that looks or feels. It’s manageable so long as you keep on top of things, and the support is there whenever you need it.
It requires effort, but trust that it will pay off! An apprenticeship is a great way to enhance your career.
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.