TGtS Meets...Laura Mead

Since joining the team in 2013, Laura Mead has gone on to complete an apprenticeship qualification and is now a part of the Total Guide to marketing department. Find out more about Laura's journey below...

Why did you chose an apprenticeship scheme over further education/going straight into employment? Would you recommend becoming an apprentice to a friend?

I decided that being an Apprentice would be my best option because I learn best by doing. When I first joined Total I wasn’t 100% sure about what I wanted to do as a career, so I saw it as a great chance to discover what opportunities were out there. One of the main draws of being an apprentice was being able to earn money, while I studied. I’m always telling my friends how great apprenticeships are and how Total Guide to helped me discover what I'm really good at! 

Since starting the scheme, what have you learned/how have your skills developed?

Since starting the scheme, I can't believe how much my skillset has grown! There's only so much that you can learn in a classroom, so spending a year in a "real world" scenario has taught me so much! I've picked up some really valuable skills along the way and my colleagues have taught me some invaluable lessons. 

Training for an apprenticeship includes undertaking qualifications while working fulltime, did you ever have trouble balancing your study and job?

As with any job, things can sometimes be a bit stressful. But anytime that I felt like I was going into overload, my colleagues, teacher and manager all stepped in to help. Not once did I want to give up, it only ever pushed me to work even harder.

What advice would you give you someone considering beginning an apprenticeship programme?

Do it, you won’t regret it! If you work hard enough there's even scope to progress from an apprentice into a permanent member of staff, like I did. 

Where do you see yourself in 3/5 years’ time? Has your apprenticeship helped you to achieve your career goals?

Since finishing my apprenticeship, I've gone on to join the marketing team at Total Guide to.  I see myself staying in the marketing sector and hopefully growing with the company. My apprenticeship was a great first step and has set me up with the skills and experience needed to achieve my long-term career goals.