Meet the Staff: Emily
Hello! My name’s Emily and I’m thrilled to share my experience as a Learner Engagement Marketing Apprentice at HBTC.
My role involves creating social media content, attending career events, and liaising with local schools and colleges. While I’ve only been here for two months, I’ve already boosted my confidence and gained an impressive set of skills I’m excited to develop further.
During my 22 months as an apprentice, I will document my journey by producing a range of articles for our website. Hopefully, this will encourage others to consider apprenticeships and take the first step toward a rewarding career!
Finding My Path
Back in 2018, during my A-Levels, I found myself uncertain about my future. Like many, I thought university was my only option and took the plunge in 2019, enrolling in American Studies at the University of Hull. My four-year course included a life-changing year abroad at California State University, Long Beach, where I immersed myself in incredible opportunities I wouldn’t have found in the UK. While university posed challenges, I graduated in January 2024 with a 2:1—a moment I’m immensely proud of.
Despite my academic success, finding a fulfilling job after graduation proved to be difficult. Many roles required work experience, leaving me unsure of how to break into fields like journalism, digital marketing, or graphic design. That’s when I came across HBTC, which was hiring a Digital Marketing Apprentice. With the help of their amazing recruitment team, I landed the role.
Starting Strong
Having visited HBTC’s premises a few times before officially joining, I felt extremely comfortable starting my first day here. The staff are friendly, welcoming, and were quick to make me feel like part of the team. I also received my individual learning plan (ILAP), which gave me a clear pathway of what I’d be doing throughout my apprenticeship and a deeper understanding of HBTC as an organisation.
Like starting any new job, the first few weeks were a steep learning curve. But before long, I was confidently creating job vacancies for social media and writing articles for the HBTC website on topics such as Mental Health Awareness and British Values. On my very first week, I visited South Hunsley School to give a talk on crafting standout CVs which is quite a nerve-wracking challenge for me.
Overcoming Challenges and Building Confidence
One of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of my role so far has been attending career events at local schools and colleges. I admit, I was extremely nervous at first, but with each event, I’ve grown more confident. To date, I’ve attended two events, including one at
Bishop Burton College, where I spoke to over 1,000 students and parents. This experience was a huge learning curve—by explaining HBTC’s offerings to others, I gained a much stronger understanding of our company myself and gained more confidence as the day went on. Receiving positive feedback from parents made the experience even more rewarding, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come in such a short time.
What I’ve Learned
The past two months have been an educational whirlwind! I’ve mastered tools like WordPress to publish job ads, used Microsoft Access to manage databases, and developed invaluable soft skills like communication and organisation.
One of my biggest areas of growth has been improving my self-confidence. Engaging with students, parents, and colleagues has pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me become more self-assured. Organisation has also been a key focus; tools like Microsoft To Do have been lifesavers, helping me plan ahead and meet deadlines without stress. The fast-paced nature of Digital Marketing means there’s never a dull moment – a dynamic I absolutely thrive on.
Looking Ahead
My time at HBTC so far has been nothing short of fantastic. The supportive team, enriching opportunities, and constant learning make every day exciting. I can’t wait to see how my skills evolve during the rest of my apprenticeship.
Check Out Our Vacancies
If you’re considering an apprenticeship, I highly recommend taking a look at HBTC’s offerings. From Digital Marketing to Teaching Assistant roles, there’s something for everyone. Why not kick-start your dream career today?
Discover your next opportunity at HBTC and start your own apprenticeship success story!
Emily Simpson
Emily is our Learner Engagement Apprentice and is involved with all things social media and content development. She is also responsible for attending career events and maintaining relationships with local schools and colleges.