Mason Lucas

Top social media trends for 2023

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Social media trends

The rise of social media has also been fueled by the growing use of social media for marketing and advertising, with businesses now able to reach a wide range of consumers at a fraction of the cost of traditional media. Additionally, social media has allowed businesses to engage with their customers in more meaningful ways, enabling them to build relationships and loyalty.

Over the last 5 years, social media has grown at an unprecedented rate and is now a part of everyday life for millions of people around the world. According to Statistica, there are now over 3.8 billion active social media users worldwide, which is an increase of 9% compared to 2020.

In the last 5 years, many of the biggest social media platforms have seen exponential growth, with Facebook, Instagram and Twitter all experiencing significant increases in their user bases. This growth has been driven by the increasing popularity of smartphones and mobile devices, which have made it easier than ever for people to access social media on the go.

In the last 5 years, social media has also become an increasingly important platform for businesses. Social media marketing is now an integral part of any company’s marketing strategy, and businesses are increasingly turning to social media to reach their target audience and promote their brand.

Overall, social media is bigger than ever and is continuing to grow with no signs of slowing down. As more and more people turn to social media for news, entertainment, connection, and communication, there is no doubt that it is here to stay and will continue to be an important part of our lives.

The top 10 Social Media Trends for 2023: 

1. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality: Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) will continue to grow in popularity and be used in social media applications.

2. Chatbots: Chatbots will become increasingly useful in customer service, giving users the ability to find information quickly and efficiently. 

3. Artificial Intelligence: Artificial intelligence (AI) will become more commonplace and be used to help with tasks such as sentiment analysis, content curation, and more.

4. Micro-Influencers: Micro-influencers have been growing in popularity in recent years and this trend is expected to continue.

5. Live Streaming: Live streaming will continue to be popular, with people using it for everything from live events to product demos.

6. User-Generated Content: User-generated content will become increasingly important in social media marketing, as it is seen as more authentic and trustworthy.

7. Social Commerce: Social commerce will grow in popularity, as more businesses use social media to drive sales.

8. Influencer Marketing: Influencer marketing will remain popular, as brands look to influencers to help them reach new audiences.

9. Stories: Stories will continue to be popular, as they offer an engaging and immersive way for users to experience content.

10. Advertising: Advertising will continue to play a large role in social media, as companies look to reach users more effectively.

The predicted rise of social media in the next 5 years will be remarkable. Social networks will become more sophisticated in their user experience, better connected to AI and machine learning, and more integrated into everyday life. With the development of 5G, the ability for social media platforms to integrate new features and technologies will expand, leading to an even more immersive, interactive, and engaging user experience. We will also see an increased focus on personalization and privacy, as well as increased use of data to create more targeted and meaningful user experiences. Finally, we can expect to see a significant rise in the use of social media for marketing purposes as well as a continued rise in the use of influencers to help promote products and services. To keep up to date with the latest social media trends subscribe to our newsletter or follow our social media platforms.

Non-destructive testing engineering

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Non destructive testing engineering

Ever heard of a Level 3 Non-destructive testing engineering technician apprenticeship before? Yes, Level 3 Non-destructive testing engineering technician apprenticeships are available. These apprenticeships provide individuals with the opportunity to learn the skills and techniques necessary to become a qualified Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Engineering Technician. Apprenticeship programs are designed to provide hands-on training in a variety of NDT techniques, as well as theoretical knowledge of the principles and practices of NDT.

Course Overview:

This is a level 3 apprenticeship and the duration of this apprenticeship is 36 months. In the non-destructive testing sector, Apprentices are required to achieve industry-recognized NDT Level 2 certification in three methods in accordance with national and international standards.

What is NDT?

Non-destructive testing (NDT) is a type of testing used to evaluate the properties of a material, component, or system without causing damage. NDT is often used to detect, characterize, or measure the presence of flaws or discrepancies. Common NDT methods include radiographic testing, ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing, magnetic particle testing, acoustic emission testing, and visual testing.

A Non-Destructive Testing Engineering Technician is responsible for performing a variety of non-destructive testing techniques to evaluate the integrity of metals and other materials. The technician is responsible for inspecting, testing, and evaluating the materials for any defects or flaws.

Typical Job titles for this role include – Testing Engineer and Test Technician.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

  • Inspect and test materials for flaws and defects using a variety of non-destructive testing techniques such as eddy current, radiographic, ultrasonic, acoustic emission, and infrared thermography.
  • Perform routine and complex inspections of welds and other components using established procedures.
  • Analyse test results and evaluate defects to determine whether they are acceptable or require additional testing.
  • Interpret and analyse complex test results and recommend corrective actions.
  • Communicate results to customers and management.
  • Maintain records and prepare written reports of test results.
  • Maintain and calibrate non-destructive testing equipment.
  • Maintain a safe work environment in accordance with governmental regulations and company policies.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

NDT Skills:

  • Non-destructive testing engineering technicians must possess a variety of skills, including technical knowledge, problem-solving ability, and excellent communication. They must also be able to work with complex machinery and equipment, be detail-oriented, and can analyse data accurately and quickly.
  • In addition to these technical skills, non-destructive testing engineering technicians should also have strong interpersonal skills. They must be able to work effectively with other technicians and engineers, as well as with customers. They must also be able to work independently and be self-motivated. 
  • Non-destructive testing engineering technicians must also be able to follow strict safety protocols, as they will often be working with dangerous materials. They must also be able to keep accurate records of their work and be able to troubleshoot any problems that arise.

Entry Requirements: 

Employers will set their criteria; however, apprentices must have a minimum of three GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C or above, including English and mathematics. Those without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level before taking the end-point assessment. In addition, you must have good unaided or aided eyesight to pass the mandatory NDT eyesight test, and you must be physically fit for industrial work.

Please apply for this role if the information above appeals to you and you are interested in earning while you learn. In the engineering and manufacturing industry, there are plenty of opportunities for job progression after graduation.

To find out more information on the Non-Destructive Testing Engineering Technician or other apprenticeships, head to our home page and social channels below.

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The benefits of hiring an apprentice

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Young-people-copy v2

Hiring an Apprentice is an exciting opportunity for both apprentice and employers. Apprentices can now be recruited at different levels, from new school leavers and university graduates to people who want to further their career development or change careers. You can even hire someone new or upskill an existing team members skill. The skills experienced workers can pass on to an apprentice are endless. 

So take a deeper look into apprenticeships and the benefits of hiring an apprentice. We have broken down the benefits into five different benefits of hiring an apprentice:

1. A breath of fresh air

Injecting some youthful talent can add a whole new dimension to your workplace, bringing with it a fresh perspective and new ideas. This can excite existing employees and spark a boost in overall business productivity. The new youth audience are natural-born marketers, growing up surrounded by social media and learning the art of promotion from a young age due to their favourite social media influencer. Utilise this, social media is the biggest market in marketing, and you will have some social media wizards join your team when you hire an apprentice.

2. Increased productivity

Hiring an apprentice is highly cost-effective. Apprentices can increase your company’s workforce. Studies show that over 80% of businesses that employed apprentices found their productivity had increased. The average apprentice increases productivity by £214 a week, while the minimum wage is just £2.68 an hour for 16 to 18-year-olds. Utilise this productivity and push your apprentices to learn more about their career sector.

3. Positive long-term development

Taking on apprentices can help you improve the range of skills you have within your organisation. It also encourages you to look at the way you do things because you are passing on your knowledge and expertise to people keen to learn the trade or business, enhancing your skill development. Take a closer look at what you do and why this can lead to you making improvements and becoming more efficient.

4. Aid staff retention

As well as helping you to gain the correct kind of skills you need for your business, employing an apprentice can also aid staff retention, providing you with skilled staff for the future. In a recent survey, 74% of companies surveyed said that apprentices tended to be more loyal, than non-apprentices.

5. Tailored to your business

Apprenticeships can be tailored to specific job roles, making them flexible to the needs of your business. The added advantage is that you will effectively train new employees to think and act in the interests of your business from day one, knowing that they haven’t already picked up any bad practices from elsewhere.

Even with the countless benefits of hiring an apprentice, there can be some setbacks. The main one is the apprentice not being pushed to its max, limiting their learning to the absolute minimum. Motivating your apprentice to learn new sectors of their area and drive them to become masters in the platforms of their career areas. So take some notes and push your apprentice. Build a bond with your apprentice and be patient with their learning. They will show you why they were worth the hire. They will become a key member of your team and company and will allow you to learn from their experiences and push you to become a better manager in the process.

Eager to join the apprenticeship network? You can join now by following the link attached below or check out our Twitter account.

The apprenticeship network

Keen to read more about hiring an apprentice and what an apprentice can offer your company and be a part of your team. Visit this blog now as an Octopus Group apprentice. Mason Lucas discusses his thoughts about being an apprentice. Check it out now. Visit the blog now!

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