Chloe’s Apprenticeship Journey
Sharing The Journey Of An Apprenticeship With Pitched.
Hi! I’m Chloe, and I’ve been working in marketing for almost five years. I enthusiastically joined Pitched’s marketing team in February 2022 because they stood out as a leading digital agency in the UK’s holiday park sector. I knew Pitched would be a place where I could both enjoy my work and advance my career by learning valuable skills.
When asked if I would like to undertake the CIM Level 4 Digital Marketing Executive apprenticeship I seized the opportunity. The experience has been pivotal for my growth, learning, and professional development, providing me with valuable insights and skills.
Why I Chose This Apprenticeship
After completing the BCS Level 3 Digital Marketing Apprenticeship in 2020, I was motivated to pursue the Level 4 Apprenticeship to deepen my expertise in digital marketing and gain practical, hands-on experience. I sought opportunities to work on substantial projects, tackle real challenges, and witness firsthand the tangible impact of my efforts.
Day to Day Life As An Apprentice
My days were dynamic and filled with diverse tasks and learning opportunities. I engaged in everything from attending team meetings and brainstorming sessions to executing marketing strategies and analysing campaign performance. Each day at Pitched presented new challenges and experiences, allowing me to immerse myself fully in the various facets of digital marketing.
Examples of some of my responsibilities include:
- Conducting thorough research and competitor analysis
- Creating compelling content for diverse campaigns to generate leads for our clients
- Implementing marketing strategies across Google Ads, Facebook Ads, Email Marketing, and SEO platforms
- Collaborating closely with our design team to ensure cohesive campaigns
- Analysing data meticulously to measure and optimise campaign effectiveness, providing our clients with the best possible value
Learning and Development
One of the most rewarding aspects of the apprenticeship was the continuous learning.
No two days are the same and working in a busy environment, often with tight deadlines, meant I was fully immersed and played my part in ensuring we were delivering for our clients. We are lucky to work with holiday parks all over the UK and so it was fun to get out of the office occasionally to visit the parks and talk through marketing plans with the on-site teams.
Over the course of the two years, I had the opportunity to:
- Participate in comprehensive training sessions that span from the fundamentals of SEO to advanced Google Ads strategies.
- Gain valuable insights into best practices and innovative marketing approaches by working alongside experienced colleagues.
- Additionally, I benefited from bi-weekly sessions with my college tutor, Sioban, where I received theoretical knowledge that I could directly apply in my day-to-day work.
Skills Acquired and Improved
During this apprenticeship, I honed several key skills:
- Digital Advertising: Achieved proficiency in effectively managing and optimizing Google Ads and Facebook Ads campaigns.
- Content Creation: Developed compelling content tailored to distinct audience segments.
- Data Analysis: Utilised tools such as Google Analytics to monitor KPIs and evaluate the impact of marketing initiatives.
- Project Management: Successfully coordinated with diverse teams and upheld project timelines using tools like Gantt charts.
Highlights and Achievements
Throughout my apprenticeship, I encountered several significant milestones. It was incredibly fulfilling to see the success of my marketing campaigns, which reflected the dedication and effort I invested. Notably, I achieved a 15% increase in bookings via Google Ads, a 42% increase through organic search, a 100% increase through Facebook Ads, and a 400% increase through referral sources.
Additionally, receiving recognition from mentors and peers for my contributions was a motivating highlight that fuelled my determination to excel. This acknowledgement played a pivotal role in my journey, culminating in the achievement of a DISTINCTION at the end of my apprenticeship.
(and the Christmas party was quite a highlight too..!)
The Impact On My Career
This apprenticeship has significantly impacted my career trajectory. It has equipped me with practical skills, enhanced my confidence, and provided a clear understanding of the digital marketing landscape. The hands-on experience and the ability to see the direct impact of my work have been invaluable.
In conclusion, my apprenticeship at Pitched has been an invaluable journey of growth and learning. I am grateful to my team and our clients, for their support and collaboration. This experience has laid a strong foundation for my career in digital marketing, and I am excited to continue contributing to our mission of empowering holiday park providers through innovative marketing solutions.
What I’d Say To Someone Considering An Apprenticeship
If your chosen career path offers an apprenticeship as a way in, I wholeheartedly recommend going for it. While I believe I would have enjoyed the university experience and lifestyle, I am incredibly grateful for choosing the apprenticeship route. During sixth form, it seemed like university was the only option promoted to us, and I didn’t even know an apprenticeship in marketing was available until I did my own research after leaving school.
There is only so much you can learn in a classroom. Hands-on learning in the workplace allows you to apply your knowledge in real-world situations, making the concepts more tangible and easier to understand. Additionally, you develop practical skills that are immediately applicable to your job, which means you become job-ready from day one. The experience you gain during an apprenticeship is invaluable, and it can often lead to better career opportunities and faster progression in your chosen field.
