Name, Age and Job Role
Oliver Crookham, 21, Public Relations Office
Which type of Apprenticeship are you doing or have you completed? Please include if it is intermediate, advanced or higher.
I have completed my Intermediate Level 2 NVQ in IT, my Advanced Level 3 NVQ in IT and am currently working towards my Level 2 Business Improvement Techniques
Who do you work for and what do they do?
I work for North Lancs Training Group. They are an Apprenticeship training provider in Lancashire covering the North of England with their Apprenticeship Training services.
Why did you choose to become an apprentice?
I didn’t enjoy school that much and therefore didn’t want to stay on in the classroom environment of Sixth form or college. My sister was doing an Apprenticeship and I saw how she was earning and learning at the same time as getting valuable work experience. I knew that was the route I wanted to take and wanted to be involved with IT and Design
What does your day in your work life involve?
Working in NLTG’s marketing department is never dull! Between myself and my colleague we look after the marketing of the whole company. That can range from designing leaflets, posters and booklets to taking pictures of events to running company social media accounts – anything to do with how the company is marketed.
What do you enjoy and what is the best thing about being an apprentice?
The best thing about being an Apprentice was I still got treated like a proper member of staff. Yes I did some of the menial tasks but this was all part of my learning of the company and development of myself which has got me to where I am today. Alongside that, getting paid to do this was even better!
What are your career plans and what would you like to be doing in 5 years’ time?
y career plans are to continue my education. I have already done short courses in Web Design and would like to do others to continue with my development. In 5 years’ time I see our department expanding to allow us to focus on each aspect of the company marketing individually.
What is your greatest achievement?
I would probably say getting married and buying my first house. None of this would probably have been possible if I hadn’t done an Apprentice and earning since I left school.
Give us one fun fact about yourself!
I’ve been to see the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx in Cairo, Egypt.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone thinking about becoming an apprentice?
What are you waiting for? Undertaking an Apprenticeship is not some sort of second route or an option for less academic people. An Apprenticeship is a primary route. Get into the real working environment, get real life work experience, get real recognised qualifications and best of all get paid for it!