<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Meet Jess from VADO! Jess completed her <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/leadership-and-management">Leadership and Management Apprenticeship</a> with Weston College and received top honours at the Weston College Business Awards. She was named Leadership and Management Apprentice of the Year and Overall Apprentice of the Year. Learn more about her story below...</p>

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">"I really enjoyed my apprenticeship journey; it opened a world of opportunities to me. The modules were broken down clearly and this made it manageable. Once I had set up a structure to how I would complete each module I could really commit and throw myself into it! The whole experience was a highlight, even modules that I did not think I would enjoy as much actually turned out to be some of my favourites, I love to learn and understand, and this apprenticeship was right up my street.</p>

<p>The knowledge and skills I gained during my apprenticeship were transformative, both personally and professionally. I delved deep into the nuances of being a manager, understanding the various facets of leadership, and mastering the art of emotional intelligence. These newfound skills didn’t just stay confined to my coursework; they became an integral part of my managerial approach.&nbsp;</p>

<p>I applied these skills to navigate complex situations, manage change effectively, and foster a positive work environment. The project management skills I acquired proved instrumental, especially when I transitioned to a new team. Every lesson learned, every theory grasped, and every skill acquired became a stepping stone, propelling me toward my goal of senior management within VADO. I was promoted at the end of my course and the skills I developed have helped me make this transition, I am still learning but it has given me a great foundation overall to make that step further and continue to develop.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Balancing work and study was undoubtedly challenging at first however, with time and determination, I discovered a rhythm that worked seamlessly for me. Having a supportive network made this balancing act much easier. The unwavering support from my manager, Michelle, and my tutor, Greg, played a pivotal role in shaping my learning experience. Michelle’s hands-on approach and dedication, coupled with Greg’s mentorship, guided me through the intricacies of the course. Their understanding and encouragement allowed me the time and space I needed to excel in both my work and studies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>I was incredibly fortunate and humbled to be nominated for Apprentice of the Year at the Weston College Business Awards. Winning the award was beyond my wildest dreams! I owe this achievement to the incredible people around me at VADO and Weston College. To be recognised as the overall learner of the year left me speechless.</p>

<p>Reflecting on my journey, my advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship is simple: go for it! The knowledge and confidence I have gained on this journey have been amazing. This experience has not only helped me build great relationships within VADO but has also opened doors to endless possibilities. Weston College made the entire experience easy, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have had this opportunity."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/leadership-and-management">If you're interested in the leadership &amp; management opportunities available at Weston College, click here!</a></p>

<p>Hey! I'm Maisy, and I recently completed my Digital Marketing Level 3 apprenticeship with Weston College, working for Visit Somerset.</p>

<p>After completing my apprenticeship in March, I was offered the role of Social Media Manager at Visit Somerset, which wouldn’t have been possible without my apprenticeship.</p>

<p>Let me take you through my apprenticeship journey, the highs, the lessons learned, and the growth I've experienced along the way.</p>

<p><strong>Choosing the Apprenticeship Path</strong></p>

<p>Why did I choose an apprenticeship? Simply put, I wanted to learn by doing. I've never been the most academically inclined, so the idea of working on the job while learning was the perfect balance for me. It allowed me to reach my full potential without the pressures of traditional education.</p>

<p><strong>Gaining Unique Skills</strong></p>

<p>One of the most significant benefits of my apprenticeship was developing my interpersonal skills. I had the chance to interact with customers and partners regularly, which boosted my confidence and communication abilities.</p>

<p><strong>Memorable Moments at Visit Somerset</strong></p>

<p>The highlight of my journey with Visit Somerset was an unforgettable trip to Noah's Ark Zoo.</p>

<p>There, I got to try out new animal experiences and help with filming and social media promotion. Feeding lions, bears, and armadillos was an experience of a lifetime that I'll cherish forever.</p>

<p><strong>A Special Project: 'Dog-Friendly Somerset'</strong></p>

<p>One project that's very close to my heart is 'Dog-Friendly Somerset.' I took it upon myself to showcase how pet-friendly our region is by creating a video at The Eastbury Hotel. The project was a massive success and continues to thrive.</p>

<p><strong>Support from Weston College</strong></p>

<p>I can't emphasise enough the support I received from Weston College during my apprenticeship.</p>

<p>My assessor was exceptional. She guided me, ensured I stayed on track, and relieved any worries about deadlines.</p>

<p><strong>Advice for Future Apprentices</strong></p>

<p>If you're considering an apprenticeship, my advice is simple: go for it!</p>

<p>You'll learn, grow, and get paid for doing what you love. I emerged from my apprenticeship more confident and equipped with skills I wouldn't have gained in a traditional job.</p>

<p>My journey from an apprentice to a Social Media Manager has been incredible. It's shown me the power of hands-on learning and the endless opportunities that come with it. So, whether you're starting your apprenticeship journey or just curious about it, remember that it could be the key to unlocking your full potential, just as it did for me.</p>

<p><em>Maisy, Social Media Manager, Visit Somerset</em></p>

<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships?utm_source=ma… you’d like to follow in Maisy’s footsteps and become an apprentice, you can do so by clicking here.</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/30DayChallenge?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_me… you’re an employer that would like to recruit talented new staff through apprenticeships, you can do so by clicking here.</a></p>

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<p>Last month, the <a href="https://swapprenticeshipawards.co.uk/2023/en/page/home">South West Apprenticeship Awards</a>, hosted at<a href="https://www.ashtongatestadium.co.uk/"&gt; Ashton Gate Stadium</a>, honoured outstanding apprentices from various industries and businesses across the South West. Among the remarkable apprentices who were acknowledged for their dedication and achievements was Lewis, a <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/digital-and-technology-solutions-bsc-hons… Engineering Degree Apprentice</a> from <a href="mbda-systems.com">MBDA Systems UK</a>.</p><p>Lewis is currently completing a Digital and Technology Solutions apprenticeship with a specialization in software. He was ecstatic about the recognition and expressed delight at being selected for such a prestigious award.</p><p>When asked about his decision to pursue an apprenticeship, Lewis explained, "A degree apprenticeship is a fast track to becoming industry-ready by the time you finish your degree. Considering my experience these last 3 years, I would say with certainty I made the right choice."</p><p>This remarkable individual was self-nominated for the award, with encouragement from their team lead and a glowing reference provided by colleagues who believed he was well-suited for the recognition. The nomination was attributed to his outstanding work, both inside and outside the company.</p><p>One of the key factors contributing to the nomination was his involvement in several different roles outside their day-to-day responsibilities. Lewis actively participated in induction and outreach events, becoming an apprentice ambassador at the <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">University Centre Weston (UCW)</a>, his education provider for the apprenticeship. His dedication to representing and inspiring others in the field made him an excellent role model for future apprentices in the industry.</p><p>The South West Apprenticeship Awards ceremony took place on 6th July 2023, and the event was filled with excitement, offering numerous photo opportunities, a reception with drinks, and a delicious meal. The awards were hosted by Commonwealth and World champion athlete, Iwan Thomas MBE.</p><p>Accompanied by colleagues from various disciplines, mainly software, as well as a fellow apprentice, the winner felt overwhelmed by the support they received throughout the evening. When asked about future aspirations, Lewis said, "I’m looking to attend next year but I’m hoping to encourage and inspire others in my cohort at college as well as my fellow apprentices from the same provider to go for it."</p><p>Regarding his plans after completing the apprenticeship, Lewis expressed a keen interest in staying in the realm of embedded software engineering. He also expressed a desire to delve deeper into software security and pursue a master's degree in the future.</p><p>Acknowledging the support he received from Weston College and MBDA Systems UK, Lewis expressed gratitude to his lecturers for providing relevant soft skills that can be applied to their job and fellow apprentices for being supportive throughout the journey.</p><p>Winning the Apprentice of the Year award in the Technology, Digital &amp; Creative Sector came as a pleasant surprise to Lewis. He stated, "I was quite shocked. There were other excellent candidates all proven to be beyond capable in their fields. It was very validating for all the hard work and effort I have gone through to prove that I am a model apprentice."</p><p>The placement provider expressed immense pride in their apprentice's achievement. Colleagues and mentors showed unwavering support and belief in their capabilities throughout the ceremony.</p><p>The South West Apprenticeship Awards not only highlighted the remarkable achievements of this outstanding individual but also recognized the value of apprenticeships in preparing the future workforce for industry success. As the technology and digital sector continue to evolve, these apprenticeships play a crucial role in developing skilled and talented professionals who are ready to make significant contributions to their chosen fields.</p><p><a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/engineering-degree-apprenticeships/">Find out more about UCW's Engineering Degree Apprentices, here!</a></p>