It’s three months since I started my apprenticeship with Headland and I’m enjoying every moment, but until very recently this is not where I had expected to be.
Choosing an apprenticeship was an unexpected journey for me. During the sixth form, I immersed myself in IT (Digital Media), Sociology, and my true passion, Art & Design. Delving into various mediums, studying diverse artists, and collaborating with supportive peers made me envision a future in the arts. Bringing ideas to life through paintings, photographs, or group projects was exhilarating. I believed my path was set: attend art school, launch exhibitions, and sell artwork. However, life had other plans.
Re-thinking the right career path
When it came to my university decision, I was incredibly indecisive. Teachers advised us to get our applications a month in advance, but I was still making up my mind a week before the deadline. The thought of committing to a single subject for three or more years felt overwhelming. With numerous options and limited time, I became hesitant about university.
My father introduced me to apprenticeships, highlighting the opportunity to work full-time, study towards a qualification, and earn a salary without incurring debt. The 18-month duration and financial benefits made it an appealing choice. The prospect of working and learning simultaneously alongside like-minded individuals, began to seem more attractive than attending university.
A month-long placement at Disney+, where I shadowed various teams, including PR and Marketing, provided me with valuable insight into the creative industry and clarified the type of apprenticeship I wanted to pursue.
After receiving my exam results —two BTEC Distinctions and a C at A-level — I focused on apprenticeship applications. After plenty of searching online, I discovered a Public Relations and Communications apprenticeship on the Gov.uk website. The scheme, managed by industry trade body the PRCA, offers comprehensive modules, lectures, assignments and dedicated coaching throughout.
After being matched with Headland and learning more about the company, I soon realised how eager I was to be a part of their culture. I was certain that this was the right place for me because of their wide range of clients, and varying disciplines from corporate to consumer-focussed work.
My first three months in PR
Initially, I had anxieties. Would I enjoy the apprenticeship? What would the people be like? What is working life like? But any fears were quickly alleviated.
Headland has an exceptional support system, especially for those transitioning from school. From my manager to the comprehensive training sessions and the amazing colleagues, it truly is a great place to work. Even at this early stage of my career I’ve been able to get involved in some fascinating projects. For instance, doing social posts for one of my clients which can be seen on their LinkedIn profile, proactive research used in client projects and learning the importance of building relationships internally and outside the business.
One highlight was assisting on a shoot for a client’s campaign where I was tasked with capturing behind the scenes content, later featured on the client’s social page! It was fun to see my work used in “real life”, reminding me of the impact working in PR can have.
Headland’s regular internal events have also been hugely valuable to me. The agency often invites industry figures, journalists and others to share their experience and insight, helping to enrich our client work. I was particularly interested to hear from Kamiqua Blake, the founder of Coldr Agency, who discussed her journey during Black History Month.
Advice to future apprentices
Securing an apprenticeship can be challenging amidst the pressures of exams and deadlines during A-levels and BTECs. Despite these hurdles, I’m thrilled that I’ve embarked on an apprenticeship journey that I’m thoroughly enjoying so far.
My advice to future apprentices is… go for it! Rejections may come, but what is meant for you won’t pass you by. Everyone has a unique path and purpose; it may take time to find it, but once you do, embrace it. You never know what the future holds. I’m still figuring out my long-term goals but working in PR has been a fantastic starting point— and I’m looking forward to an exciting 15 months ahead.
Visit our Careers page to find out more about working at Headland!