Every apprenticeship journey is different, but the right opportunity can transform both confidence and career prospects. In this Marketing Apprenticeship Success Story, Matthew Collins shares how the Level 6 Marketing Manager Apprenticeship helped him develop new skills, broaden his understanding of marketing, and gain the confidence to contribute more strategically at H&T Pawnbrokers.
What was your background before starting your apprenticeship?
I have over 10 years of retail experience before joining the marketing team at H&T. This really built the foundations of my marketing career, being able to understand what people want and the common questions I have heard over the years. This really set me up for my job as visual merchandiser.
Why did you decide to sign up for the apprenticeship?
2 years into my role as a visual merchandiser I was left thinking about what I wanted from a career. I enjoyed my job, but I felt more interested in other areas of marketing. This led to me going for a social media executive role at H&T. Although unsuccessful the company wanted to invest in my development and they found this course and presented me with the opportunity for me to take it on if I wanted. I saw this as the perfect opportunity to gain more skills and confidence within marketing.
How are you finding the apprenticeship so far?
I have enjoyed every step of the apprenticeship it has felt easy to digest and feel my skills have come on leaps and bounds as the months have gone on. It has really highlighted that I am on the right path.
How does the apprenticeship support your daily work?
This course has brought more confidence to my day-to-day life, as well as a deeper understanding of my colleague’s roles within the marketing team. I feel I have more to offer the department and have been able to lend my opinion to support others on the team, especially when it has come to creating social content.
Tell us about the company and what your job role involves.
H&T Pawnbrokers is the UK’s largest pawnbrokers where we provide loans on assets on jewellery, luxury watches and handbags. We also have a retail offering in which I am a visual merchandiser, so I help with display standards, and concepts, I also coach and support teams. I have also been a support on the marketing team when it comes to social content and coming up with the creative direction of some of our most recent photoshoots.
How does Oxford Professional Education support you in your apprenticeship?
The regular check-ins from the tutors and the college have been amazing every step of the way. It has been effortless. The support is there whenever you need it. Everyone is so friendly and helpful the team literally goes above and beyond. I really didn’t think there would be this much support given.
Would you recommend this apprenticeship to others?
I would 100% recommend this apprenticeship, it gives you a deep understanding of marketing and strategy. It really sets you up to lead a team by giving you a good understanding of different roles within a team. You are so supported every step of the way. I feel this course has turned me into a great T-Shaped marketer.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting an apprenticeship?
Take the chance to invest in yourself and your career, it is a lot of work, but it Is worth it. This apprenticeship has just affirmed this is what I want to do for a career. It hasn’t just expanded my knowledge but my confidence. I have loved every second and you will too.
The Level 6 Marketing Manager Apprenticeship is designed to help marketing professionals develop the strategic and commercial, skills needed to drive business growth.
Like Matthew, apprentices gain practical experience, build confidence, and develop a deeper understanding of modern marketing while continuing to make an impact in their role.
Explore the Marketing Manager Apprenticeship and see how it can help you or your employees unlock their potential.