At Vertas Group, we're committed to supporting lifelong learning for our colleagues through apprenticeships. This National Apprenticeship Week, we’re celebrating the lasting impact of apprenticeships on both our colleagues and the business at Opus, as well as across the wider Vertas Group.
In 2022, we spoke with Kim Sale, Marketing and Content Executive, after she successfully completed her Level 3 Marketing Assistant Apprenticeship. Now, more than two years later, Kim reflects on her career growth and the further learning and development opportunities she has pursued.
When we last caught up with you, Kim, you had completed your Level 3 Marketing Assistant Apprenticeship. Have you done any further learning and development since?
A few months after completing my Level 3 apprenticeship, I decided to take the next step and pursue the Level 4 Marketing Executive apprenticeship. My career plan has always been to develop myself as much as possible from an early stage, using the knowledge gained to grow within my role and progress further.
I began the Level 4 apprenticeship in June 2023 and completed it in September 2024.
How has your role developed after completing two apprenticeships?
Since completing my Level 4 apprenticeship, my role has developed significantly. In November, I was promoted to Marketing and Content Executive, a great achievement and a testament to the progress I've made since joining as Marketing Assistant in 2020.
This promotion has allowed me to take on more responsibilities, contributing to the overall growth of the Group brands. The skills and knowledge I learnt during my apprenticeships have been an essential part of my development, enabling me to succeed in my new role and continue to grow professionally.
For me, at least, the difference in development with an apprenticeship is that I had the chance to gain valuable experience and insight into the work environment which helped me to grow into the role I am in now.
What was the most rewarding part of your apprenticeship experiences?
The most rewarding part of my apprenticeship experiences was the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios while studying.
During my Level 3 apprenticeship, I gained a solid foundation in marketing principles and techniques. Seeing how these concepts played out in campaigns and projects was incredibly rewarding and helpful.
With my Level 4 apprenticeship, there was a deeper dive into strategic marketing, campaigns, and analytics. I had the chance to lead projects, analyse data to drive decisions and contribute to marketing strategies. This not only boosted my confidence but also improved my campaign management, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship to others and why?
Absolutely, I would highly recommend an apprenticeship to others.
An apprenticeship offers a unique blend of on-the-job learning and paid development, allowing you to earn while you learn. This hands-on experience is really valuable, as it enables you to apply the skills and knowledge you have learnt in real time directly within your role.
In addition to this, being surrounded by experienced professionals provides a great support network. These mentors and colleagues can offer guidance, share their expertise, and help you achieve more than you might on your own.
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