As I approach my six-month mark here at Pagefield, I wanted to share my experience so far as an apprentice – starting with acknowledgement of the fact I’d had this huge misconception that I was too old to be an apprentice at 24.
Why? I have no idea! But that is absolutely not the case.
In my opinion, these opportunities aren’t spoken about enough for people in their twenties who decide to change careers or haven’t had the chance to go to university – although apprenticeships aren’t just for those without a degree, anyone can do one!
I chose the apprenticeship route because I wanted to study and learn something new whilst also working, which made the PR & Communications Apprenticeship the perfect option for me. Through my research before applying for this role, I became fascinated by the world of communications and discovered that a career in PR could be both exciting and creative – exactly what I was looking for. And I was thrilled to find an agency like Pagefield looking to take on their first apprentice.
Starting out in PR & communications has been a whirlwind of excitement, nerves, and a whole lot of on-the-job learning. One moment, I’m researching journalists for media lists; the next, I’m making last-minute edits to a crucial client document, drafting social media posts, filming content for Pagefield’s own Instagram or joining a strategy planning meeting – all while trying to learn and absorb as much as possible.
An apprenticeship is a structured programme that combines practical work experience with formal study, enabling individuals to develop skills while earning. It focuses on hands-on experience in a real job, supported by additional training.
My week is structured around four working days and one dedicated study day. Learning to balance both work and study has been a journey, but after a few months, I found my rhythm. Prioritising tasks and managing my schedule effectively have been key to making it all work. One of the most fascinating aspects of this apprenticeship has been seeing the modules I’m studying come to life in real-time at work.
My time at Pagefield has had two distinct phases so far.
The first three months were all about finding my footing, figuring out my interests, identifying my strengths, and acknowledging the areas that were more challenging for me. It won’t surprise you to read that coming into a job with no prior experience isn’t easy but with time, effort, and all the help from everyone here, it is more than doable.
It was also a period of adjustment – both to the corporate environment and finding confidence within myself in this new space. Coming from a retail background, stepping into the world of PR and comms was a huge transition.
The following three months have been about personal growth, narrowing my interests, honing my skills, and becoming more confident in my abilities. I’ve seen tangible improvements in my work, and there’s nothing more reassuring than looking back and realising just how far I’ve come.
It’s fast paced, deadlines come quickly, and multitasking has become second nature. You get thrown into real work early on, learning from people who have been in the industry for years and picking up essential skills along the way.
Six months in, I can confidently say this apprenticeship has been an incredible experience so far, full of challenges, steep learning curves, and rewarding moments. If you’re considering taking a similar route to me and would like to know more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
