TGt Meets... Katie Cooke

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we're thought we'd ask our fantastic apprentice, Katie, a few questions about what it's really like working and completing an apprenticeship at the same time!

Why did you choose an Apprenticeship over university? 
I chose an Apprenticeship because as well as gaining a qualification, I get on-the-job training. I believe this is valuable to employers because as a result I can offer real work experience along with relevant qualifications

How did you decide which Apprenticeship to do? 
I was in an apprenticeship agency and they would email me over Apprenticeship vacancies that they thought were suitable to me. When I received the vacancy for my current job I knew it was something that would suit my interests so I asked to be put forward for the role.

What are the benefits of doing an Apprenticeship? 
The benefits include getting hands-on learning during work along with classroom style learning, being able to achieve qualifications required for your industry with no tuition fees or student loans needed, as instead you can earn while you learn.

What are you doing to develop within your role and company? 
I am working to the best of my ability and I am always willing to take on new tasks and challenges. Also I am receiving as much training as possible so I can grow in the company by constantly learning and improving. I have recently taken on the role of Digital Marketing Co-ordinator which comes with lots of responsibilites.

What’s your biggest achievement to date? 
My biggest achievement in my role so far is being offered more responsibilities and new types of work due to progressing well in what I was initially set to do. I have completed my Level 3 Digital Marketing apprenticeship and am now completing Level 4.

How do you spend your free time? 
My free time is spent walking the dog, going to the gym and CrossFit, getting out and about with friends or just relaxing with a magazine in front of the TV.

What’s the hardest part about doing an Apprenticeship? 
What I find most difficult is probably balancing work with course work, as I enjoy my job I tend to avoid completing assignments as I would prefer to just do my job. However the apprenticeship work load isn’t too heavy so I always find time for it in the end.

What has doing an Apprenticeship meant for you as a person? 
Becoming an apprentice has benefitted me in many ways, for example within a couple months I have already developed countless skills which are necessary for the industry, not only this but I have found that my confidence has grown as I am more eager to take on challenges and step out of my comfort zone.

What advice would you give someone making the decision to go to university or to do an Apprenticeship? 
I would advise them that as long as it’s not essential to have a degree for their chosen career than an apprenticeship is definitely the better option; you get paid instead of getting in debt, you get real work experience along with a qualification, and usually there is no job hunt at the end of it!

What’s the one thing you will take away from your apprenticeship once it’s over? 
I will take away all of the valuable experience I’ve gained over the year and will be glad for everything I’ve learned as it will undoubtedly help me advance in my role and career.