<p>I’m Salka, a Marketing Executive at <a href="https://mindful-education.co.uk/">Mindful Education</a> and alumni of Weston College, and below is my career journey so far!</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>My Career Journey so Far</strong></p><p>Since completing my <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/employers/taking-apprentice/marketing-assistan… 3 Marketing apprenticeship</a> through Weston College and <a href="https://mindful-education.co.uk/">Mindful Education</a>, my career journey has gone from strength to strength. Upon completing my studies and achieving a distinction, I was offered a permanent role at <a href="https://mindful-education.co.uk/">Mindful Education</a>, where I have now been working for three and a half years.</p><p>Since then, I have continued to develop both personally and professionally. The range of responsibilities I deal with has increased exponentially, meaning my skill set is more varied and allows me to take on any task with confidence. I have also since completed a <strong>Level 4 Marketing Executive apprenticeship,</strong> which enabled me to progress from <strong>Marketing Assistant</strong> to <strong>Marketing Executive.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>What I Gained from Being an Apprentice</strong></p><p>I think the confidence I have gained through my apprenticeships has been one of the biggest benefits. I have become more comfortable stepping outside of my comfort zone, taking on new challenges and trusting my own ideas and abilities.</p><p>My apprenticeship also gave me valuable practical experience of working in a professional marketing environment. I developed skills in communication, organisation, teamwork and time management, while learning how to manage real responsibilities and deadlines.</p><p>These experiences have had a big impact on my career because they have given me a strong foundation to continue developing and progressing within marketing.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Roles and Responsibilities of my Apprenticeships</strong></p><p>The Level 4 apprenticeship was definitely a step up and helped to embed the knowledge that I had gained in my Level 3 apprenticeship. It also added another layer of depth and complexity to some of the theories and frameworks that I studied, which gave me a healthy challenge.</p><p>Similarly to Level 3, I had a project for my End-Point Assessment (EPA), so I had another valuable opportunity to plan and deliver a large project on my own.</p><p>I also had more opportunities to interact with my fellow cohorts and have teamworking experiences with other apprentices. This allowed me to build my team skills and understand a lot of the content more easily, as I had a sounding board to bounce ideas off and could share my ideas and work through tough topics together as a team.</p><p>My role at Mindful Education has developed as the scope and variety of tasks I handle has increased, and I feel that I am now responsible for much more within the team.</p><p>Some of my responsibilities include writing and posting social media posts, blogs and creating email campaigns to go out to our key audiences. I’ve also become involved in more internal and external events, helping with the planning and delivery of them by liaising with event organisers, couriers and other members of the team.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Challenges Along the Way</strong></p><p>One of the main challenges during my Level 4 apprenticeship was balancing work and studies and meeting the requirements of both commitments. Often, I would find myself having to meet work deadlines, apprenticeship deadlines and stay on top of all my responsibilities.</p><p>To overcome this, I would use my study days to list my main responsibilities and get through as much as I could. For any tasks left over, I would section out my time after work, spending at least an hour after work throughout the week to complete them and ensure I met my deadlines.</p><p>I also found myself studying the material and seeing that it was a lot to take in, so I would make myself summary documents that sectioned off each of the key topics into bullet points. This allowed me to memorise and absorb information more effectively.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Biggest Achievements</strong></p><p>The achievements I am most proud of are getting distinctions for each of my apprenticeships. Each apprenticeship I completed was over a year in duration, so a lot of time, hard work and effort had been poured into my studies, not to mention preparing for the EPA and doing it twice.</p><p>I am also very proud of making it to the <a href="https://multiculturalapprenticeshipawards.co.uk/shortlist-2024/">Multic… Apprenticeship Awards</a> in 2024 and being <strong>Highly Commended</strong> under the <strong>Creative, Media &amp; Marketing</strong> category. This marked a significant moment in my career and was recognition of all my hard work over the last year and a half.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Advice to Future Apprentices</strong></p><p>One piece of advice I would give to aspiring apprentices is to not be shy about asking questions. Don’t feel out of place just because you don’t know everything. At the end of the day, it’s a learning experience and the organisation that has hired you is well aware of the requirements and responsibilities of recruiting an apprentice.</p><p>You’re not supposed to know everything; the whole point of an apprenticeship is to learn on the job! So don’t be scared about doing an apprenticeship just because it’s something out of your comfort zone. It may seem daunting, but it is incredibly rewarding.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Future Steps</strong></p><p>Now that I’ve completed both apprenticeships, I want to continue working in my role as a Marketing Executive and would like to do so for the future. I want to develop myself in this new role and take more leadership in various projects.</p><p>In the future, I can see myself taking on a senior marketing role and eventually also managing and guiding an apprentice. I can also see myself doing a Level 6 apprenticeship and progressing myself further in my career.</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last month, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… &amp; Tourism</a> and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin…; students took a trip to Copenhagen to experience the culture and visit a range of tourist attractions, gaining a deeper understanding of the impact these have on the economy, as well as the operations behind these successful organisations.</p><p>During the trip, students had an excellent blend of free time and structured activities, visiting attractions such as <strong>Tivoli Gardens</strong>, the second-oldest theme park in the world with a variety of rides, gardens, and high-quality food options. This was a fun-filled and historically rich experience, giving students the chance to create memories whilst considering what makes this amusement park so successful.</p><p>Additionally, students and staff took part in a walking tour of Copenhagen, visiting iconic sights across the city, as well as a tasting session of the honey and drinks made in Copenhagen. Following this, the group went on a river boat tour where they explored the city further around the canals, seeing the beautiful landscapes and hearing about the rich history of the city.</p><p>On top of this, they explored <strong>Nyhavn</strong> which is known for its 17th-century waterfront and brightly coloured buildings. Students had lots of free time here, visiting various restaurants and many shops, immersing themselves in this popular tourist destination. During their free time, some students even visited museums to make the most out of the trip and immerse themselves further in the culture.</p><p>This trip was an excellent way for students to make lasting memories with peers and explore a new city, with some of the students never having flown and experiencing many things for the first time. It gave them the confidence and independence of navigating a new city, whilst providing students with practical lessons in global tourism and successful business management. This will prepare them for future careers in the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave…; industry, as well as enrich them in new cultures and experiences before they finish their course.</p><p>Copenhagen is also known for its sustainability, being a global leader in green energy with the aim of becoming a carbon-neutral city. This forward-thinking environment and its strong emphasis on green practices is an excellent example to our students, allowing them to observe how successful companies and tourism systems operate within a sustainable framework.</p><p>Ben Melhuish, Head of <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave…; at Weston College, added, “This trip was a fantastic experience for our learners to not only gain lasting memories with their friends, but also apply their classroom knowledge to a real-world setting full of popular tourist destinations and thriving international businesses. Taking 40 students on an international trip is never without its challenges, however our students presented themselves with respect and maturity, making it a pleasure to organise trips like this and watch them experience many new things.”</p><p>A huge thank you to the chaperones on the trip, Ben Melhuish, Hannah Forrest, Claudia Jagger, and James Lockyer, for making this trip possible!</p><blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width:605px;min-width:325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@westoncollege/video/7627045083031833858&quot; data-video-id="7627045083031833858"><section><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@westoncollege?refer=embed&quot; target="_blank" title="@westoncollege">@westoncollege</a></p><p>Copenhagen Best Bits and Bloopers - watch till the end! 😭</p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-WestonCollege-7627045124220…; target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - WestonCollege">♬ original sound - WestonCollege</a></p></section></blockquote><script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script><p>This curriculum trip forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave…; Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.&nbsp;</p><p>Progress to the next level in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses-by-subject/business-accounting-and-operat…;! At <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">University Centre Weston (UCW)</a> our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">Click here!</a></p><p><strong>If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…;. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last month, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… and Tourism</u></a> and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin…; students received an insightful guest lecture from <strong>Border Force</strong> members, Darren and Andy, giving learners a deeper understanding into the potential careers within Border Force and the possible progression routes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Border Force is a law enforcement command that is responsible for protecting the United Kingdom’s borders, operating at airports, seaports, international rail terminals, and postal hubs to control the movement of people and goods entering or leaving the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Darren and Andy began by outlining their own career journeys, progression, and personal experiences within Border Force. They also explained the training and application process, offering students valuable guidance for those interested in pursuing this pathway. This gave our students invaluable insight regarding where to start when considering a career in Border Force and the key attributes they look for in their candidates.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>During the guest lecture, they also covered key areas of Border Force operations, including their work at airports and ports, detecting passport fraud, managing immigration processes, and enforcing CITES regulations to prevent the illegal trade of endangered species. Learners were able to ask questions during the session, even having the opportunity to check a suitcase for illegal items. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Border Force giving guest lecture to students&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b5af6255-13c7-41c6-9f95-559ea2b77172" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">This hands-on session was an excellent opportunity for students to network with industry professionals, as well as put their knowledge into practice. Border Force is an imperative aspect of ensuring the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… and Tourism</u></a> industry runs smoothly and safely and, in turn, encourages socio-economic growth. Learning about careers within Border Force opens up more opportunities for our students and broadens their potential pathways following their course.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Students can also apply the invaluable tips and advice that Border Force provided regarding the application process to any career in the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave…; industry, allowing them to excel in their future careers.</p><p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Hannah Forrest, Curriculum Co-ordinator in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… and Tourism</u></a>, added, “Guest lectures like this provide our students with a great mix of guidance and hands-on experience to broaden the potential careers in the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… and Tourism</u></a> industry for them ahead of completing their course. Border Force makes up a large part of ensuring a smooth and seamless travel experience for people and businesses, therefore learning more about the important role they play brings the careers to life for our students.”</p><p>A huge thank you to Andy and Darren for coming in and sharing your extensive background with our students!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>This guest lecture forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… &amp; Tourism</u></a> Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys. &nbsp;</p><p><strong>If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…;. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.</strong>&nbsp;</p>