Christian Miranda, Author at ApprenticeTips.com

First of all, what is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable real life experiences for a company and within the industry of their choice.

Alongside is the job-training, where as an apprentice, are expected to spend at least 20% of their weekly working hours completing and attending classroom-based learning with either a training provider or university as well as the duration of the programme will vary depending on the apprenticeship level. At the end of the programme, the apprentice will receive a nationally recognised qualification.

Secondly, what is Digital Marketing?

Digital Marketing, also known as online marketing, is the component of marketing that uses different types of digital communication (this include search engines or online platforms such as Facebook and Instagram) to connect potential customers to a brand, product or service in which they may have shown previous interest in.

So either you are thinking of starting an apprenticeship or have started your journey as an apprentice already, these tips will surely come in useful at any level!

Here are 5 tips to keep in mind when embarking your apprenticeship journey straight from an apprentice alumni, who have successfully graduated and have received their Digital Marketing Certificate within the last year at Apprenticeship Now.

Tip 1: Learn the role!

Finding out as much of the apprenticeship programme and the role is just as important as your CV. To increase your chances of getting the role, expand your knowledge and experiences by doing courses online or even applying for a junior role for a startup. The more experiences you have related to the role, the higher the chances you are being qualified for the role. I recommend completing an online course called ‘The Fundamentals of Digital Marketing’ from one of the leading companies in this space called ‘Google’, this will not only teach you all the basic knowledge but will also give you examples of how those can be applied in real life.

Tip 2: Never be afraid to ask questions

If you are struggling at something, be it at work or an apprenticeship task from the university or training provider, keep in mind that there is always someone to ask for help, there will always be someone assigned to look after you, either guide/manager from your assigned company or a training coach/professor from your training provider or university. Whoever it may be, they will be more than welcome to support whatever it may be.

Tip 3: Don’t get intimidated or be overwhelmed by the abilities of your colleagues

Remember, this may be the start of your professional career so you are not expected to know everything and you are certainly not expected to produce nor have the same capabilities or knowledge as someone who has been in the industry for years. Know that you do not need to rush things, take things slowly and you will get to that point soon enough.

Tip 4: Remember, you are still part of the team

Whatever stage you are in your apprenticeship, do remember that you are still part of the team and even though you may not have the same responsibilities as your colleagues, they will see you as a valuable member of the team who produces huge impact in every task you are set.

Tip 5: Observe your collegues and network

Watch how your team members interact with each other and clients, how they handle workload and separate work/life balance. You can learn a lot by watching, listening and talking to them. It is essentially a cheat code, rather than learning through trial and error, you can learn straight from them.

What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable real life experiences for a company and within the industry of their choice. Alongside is the job-training, where the apprentice is expected to spend at least 20% of their weekly working hours completing and attending classroom-based learning with either a training provider or university.

The duration of the programme will vary depending on the apprenticeship level and at the end of the programme, the apprentice will receive a nationally recognised qualification.

What is the role?

Early Years Educators, and other job roles such as nursery nurse and childminders, are highly trained professionals who work with care for children from birth to 5 years and will essentially play a key role in supporting children to have the best start to their education. Within this role, educators are expected to be versatile, working in different places, this includes full day care, children’s centres, pre-schools and reception classes. Working conditions may also vary in terms of they may either be working solo or with colleagues to deliver the requirements set by the government for the learning, development and care of children aged 5 and below called ‘Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)’.

What will be the apprentice be doing:

Will work as part of a team planning, monitoring and evaluating activities for children from birth to approximately five years of age.
Build Positive relationships with the children, families, colleagues and internal/external professionals.
Ensuring the safeguarding and welfare of the children in the room at all times is essential.
Support children development by teaching basic numeracy and language skills through games and play.
Meet the care needs of individuals such as the administration of medicine (if required), changing nappies and feeding.

Skills required / Behaviours expected for the role:

Commitment, to improving the outcomes of all children through education, child centred care and inspiration.
Honesty, trust and integrity, develop trust within colleagues and with children by working in an ethical, confidential manner combined with professional attitude towards work.
Teamwork, working effectively with colleagues and internal/external professionals.
Care and Compassion, produce the best childcare to every child daily combined with the ability to be bold and professionally challenge poor practice when necessary.
Know the importance of basic life skills and be able to successfully showcase and transfer these to the children.
Analyse and explain how children’s learning and development can be affected or altered during their stage of development, circumstances and environment.
Actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.
Promote healthy lifestyles such as the encouragement for young children and babies to consume healthy food and have a balanced meal, drinks and snacks that is suitable for their age and be physically active through exercise and game activities.
The importance of basic hygiene in order to prevent and control infections and bacteria such as hand washing, food preparation and dealing with spillages and waste disposal in a coordinated manner and most importantly in a safe way.

Level and Duration:

This Apprenticeship is Level 3, typically around 18 months or more.

On successful completion of the programme, the apprentice will be awarded:

Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship
NCFE Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (EYE)
Level 3 Award in paediatric First Aid or Level 3 Award Emergency Paediatric First Aid.

Career progression after the apprenticeship:

Truthfully, it will be up to you to decide on what you want to do next after the completion of the programme.

There may be a high opportunity to stay in the same company and progress to the next level of your career or apprenticeship. Alternatively, you can also look for a new job or professional development opportunity.