My apprenticeship journey

06 February 2020

As part of apprenticeship week 2020 we’ve spoken to Emma Wilson who joined the Peel Ports’ group marketing team over 3 years ago. Here she explains why she choose to take up an apprenticeship rather than follow the more academic options open to her. Emma explains how she has now progressed further in the business to work as the Marketing Executive…

After gaining my GSCEs I always wanted to complete an apprenticeship as I knew university wasn’t for me. I love learning while working rather than being sat in a classroom. Before I joined Peel Ports, I was working on a business administration apprenticeship for a facility management company, but I didn’t feel there were many progression paths within the role. So, when I saw the opportunity for a Digital Marketing Apprentice in Peel Ports, I had to apply.

My apprenticeship role involved researching, creating and publishing content on our various social media platforms. I’ve always been interested in the digital world. Like many people of my generation we’re online a lot. It’s a world that’s constantly changing and there’s so much to learn, which means there’s always something new every day.

During my 3 year apprenticeship at Peel Ports I successfully completed my Level 3 and Level 4 Digital Marketing Diplomas, qualifications in using video software and an IDM Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing which is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. Each of these qualifications have allowed me to progress further within my career at Peel Ports and enabled me to move onto my next opportunity working as the Marketing Executive.

Within my current role as Marketing Executive, I am specialising in digital communications and delivering integrated marketing communication campaigns for the group.

Overall, I’ve had an amazing time so far and enjoyed every minute of my time with the company. Sometimes people can dismiss apprenticeships however in my experience it’s been so much more rewarding for me. I’ve learnt the art of being responsible for my own work and had exposure to high profile events and people which I would never have experienced otherwise. I am really looking forward to continuing to learn and make a contribution to the business.