Meet Swindon apprentices as we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2020 Part 2

Swindon is a town where apprentices thrive and it’s no surprise there will be many opportunities this week to celebrate the 13th annual National Apprenticeship Week. Here at Total Guide to Swindon we’re celebrating by showcasing some of the town’s up and coming talent who are using an apprenticeship to start their chosen career.

The theme for this year ‘s awareness week is ‘Look Beyond’ and will celebrate the diversity and value that apprenticeships bring to employers, apprentices and communities across England. 

Today meet Robbie Climance who is 18 and six months into a digital marketing apprenticeship with digital marketing agency Smarter Media based in Gypsy Lane, Swindon. He’s working towards an NVQ Level 3 qualification in digital marketing and studies weekly at New College. Overseeing his apprenticeship is Rob Curtis, operations director. 

What school did you attend? 

Robbie - I went to Bradon Forest School and enjoyed being there however I didn’t’ want to stay on, I just wanted to get out, get on and get involved with working in the real world alongside learning. 

Why did you fancy an apprenticeship?

Robbie – staying on at school and going to university just wasn’t for me. I’m hands on, I’m practical even though I love the world of tech and digital and I wanted to be out working in a digital environment. 

How's it going?  

Robbie - I’m really enjoying it and I am getting involved with actual projects and real clients and it’s everything I hoped it would be. I’m learning all of the time. 

Rob – He’s brilliant, he got a fantastic attitude for learning which is the main thing we need. He will ‘have a go’ with no fear, his creative work is class, we didn’t expect that to happen so quickly and he’s getting stuck in. Already he’s confident with dealing with our clients.  

Why recruit an apprentice? 

Rob – we’ve had an apprentice before, we value what they bring and it’s an opportunity to give someone a chance to start their career. We are strong supporters of this route to the career of your dreams. Education and degrees are not right for everyone. An apprenticeship gives someone an understanding of how to be part of an office team and allows them to mature and develop as adults. 

What does Robbie bring to the business? 

Rob – we all love him and he’s settled in so well. He’s developed his own personality, we can see him really coming out of his shell which we encourage. He’s already proactive in coming up with ideas and he’s stepping up to challenges. He has a bright future, we’re sure of that. 

To find out more about Smarter Media visit https://smarter-media.co.uk

Read part one here...