Hello and welcome once again to the Hugoversity Common Room, where discussions on all the burning issues of the day are led by prefects Natalie and Elisha.

This month, we’ve been talking about careers, and apprenticeships in particular, with help from our very own digital marketing apprentice Ellie Armstrong and her learning mentor at Baltic Apprenticeships, Rhiannon McMullen.

Ellie started working with our sister company Harvey & Hugo in April – in the midst of a pandemic, no less – and it’s been great to see an apprenticeship in action.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, we always like to start with an ice-breaker, so we asked Ellie and Rhiannon to share their favourite memories from their school years.

Ellie revealed: “I loved performing arts, I did drama in school, and so one of my favourite achievements was to go on stage and perform in Little Shop of Horrors, which involved singing in front of the whole school. It was nerve-wracking but I was very proud – I even got a trophy.”

Rhiannon added: “It’s got to be the prom. It’s such a lovely time to spend with classmates, friends and staff. It gives you a real chance to reflect on everything you’ve achieved, celebrate making it to the end and say proper goodbyes and thanks-yous.”

School days aside, our prefects were keen to find out more about the benefits of apprenticeships, from the perspective of both apprentice and employer.

Rhiannon explained: “The key advantage will always be that hands-on experience you gain, that you wouldn’t necessarily get down the traditional education route such as going to university.

“Our apprentices are getting the experience straight away, learning so much in terms of skills, knowledge and behaviour, from being in the very heart of the business.

“They also get to take advantage of their very own learning mentor, such as I am with Ellie. My cohort of learners is massively smaller than if I were a lecturer or uni professor, so I have that time to guide and support my apprentices and support them with their own individual needs.

“And of course, apprentices are literally earning while learning; there are no costs to pay, so they’ll incur no debt, and they’ll also be paid a wage – just like in the real world.”

Before her apprenticeship, Ellie had been working as a travel agent, before lockdown and the chance viewing of a TikTok video led to her having a change of heart.

She said: “I think a lot of people reevaluated their life; I was a travel agent, and obviously the industry isn’t really going anywhere.

“I saw a digital marketing apprenticeship come up on TikTok, and it really piqued my interest; I’d previously done an apprenticeship and really enjoyed it.

“What I like about learning (and earning) this way is how much support there is. You’re not just dropped in the deep end and it’s reassuring to know that you’re not expected to know everything.

“I’ve got the support of Rhiannon and rest of the team, and everyone is so helpful and supportive if you’re unsure of anything.

“Obviously being paid is a bonus, as well as coming out with a qualification under your belt to put on your CV.”

It’s clear why apprenticeships are a great choice for young people keen to enter the world of work and learn on the job, but what about employers – what’s in it for them?

Rhiannon is clear: “If you’re growing your team, an apprenticeship offers a way to bringing in fresh talent, with fresh ideas and a fresh perspective.

“A lot of employers also like the fact that they can mould an apprentice in the way they want them to be, to fit in with the company’s culture, ethos and business objectives, as well as getting the standardised knowledge through the coursework.

“Apprentices come in with a clean slate and they’re so eager and excited to get involved and learn – what’s not to like?”

Money is also a consideration when it comes to employers taking on an apprentice; grants are available to cover most, if not all, of the costs.

As Rhiannon said: “The Government offers grants to businesses to make it as cost-effective as possible. At the moment, between 95 and 100 per cent of the costs can be covered through grants, as well as a £4,000 bonus for recruiting an apprentice.”

So how can an apprenticeship help secure a career in the highly competitive world of PR and marketing?

Well, as they say, it’s not what you know but who you know – and networking is a key part of the industry.

Rhiannon said: “Another advantage of an apprenticeship is building up that network; my apprentices are in all industries and all parts of the country, but they’re adding each other on social media and building those connections for the future.

“I know from my own experience of working my way up that these connections crop up when you least expect it, a strength to you and your knowledge.

“This route also builds employability skills, such as multi-tasking, staying on top of apprenticeship work and working as part of a team.

“I know that if I was an employer, I’d always choose the candidate who’s worked in the industry.”

With the world of work having been upended over the past 18 months, many apprentices will find themselves working remotely, a far cry from the hustale and bustle of traditional office life.

What advice would Rhiannon give to those who are considering an apprenticeship in such unprecedented times?

“Embrace the change. It sounds easier said than done, but on an apprenticeship, remember your attitude is also on display, to us and employers.

Embracing the change and managing your own workload shows the best in you. You’ll still get support, but it’s about really taking responsibility for your work and career.

“There are three things apprentices need to demonstrate – working independently, maintaining productivity and responsibility.

“Rising to that challenge helps you show those skills, and that will be remembered.”

Ellie agrees: “When I got the job, it was a bit daunting, as didn’t know anyone. However, everyone’s been great, I’ve lots of support from the team and Rhiannon.

“I’ve really enjoyed it, it’s gone so fast; I’m doing something different every day, whether that’s writing social media posts or making graphics.

“I can’t wait to pass my apprenticeship, get the qualification and progress even further, seeing my hard work pay off.”