Digital Marketing Apprentice Grace Binns has been rewarded for her hard work, diligence, and excellent performance at the recent Yorkshire Young Professional Awards, taking home the Young Apprentice of the Year award! This award recognises a young apprentice/ trainee in any sector and judges will be looking for the individual who has shown the greatest achievement, contribution to their employer and potential.
Fresh from the glitzy award ceremony we had a chat to Grace about her time at Craven College and all things apprenticeships!
What led you to pursue an apprenticeship?
I felt quite lost during my sixth form experience, with no idea what I’d like to do after school. It seemed like the only option was to go to university, with talks of personal statements, UCAS deadlines and the fear of missing out. However, once I learnt about apprenticeships and the fact you can earn whilst you learn, that really appealed to me.
Why did you choose Craven College?
It is a local college to me. I previously had attended an open evening where I discovered the wide range of part- time courses and apprenticeships to choose from, such as aviation, beauty therapy, brick laying, animal studies, and more. There’s definitely something for everyone!
What was the most rewarding aspect of your apprenticeship?
I’d say passing my exams, which I needed to complete the course, such as the Principles of Coding exam. With the help of my tutor Amanda, I felt really supported within my learning as this was not a topic that I understood at the beginning.
How did you balance on the job learning with your formal training or coursework?
This can be an overwhelming aspect of an apprenticeship; however, I was willing to put the time and effort in to balancing all aspects of my role, with the help from my tutor and my employers.
How did Craven College support you in your studies?
They provided in person lessons every two weeks as my course is part time. This included a variety of interactive and creative lessons. My tutor always supported me and allowed me to contact her via email with any questions/ extra support. The monthly meetings in the workplace with my employer and college tutor also helped to make sure I was right on track.
What was the best thing about studying at Craven College?
I enjoyed how friendly and supportive the staff were. There was a really small group in the same course I was completing, therefore this enabled us to have more one-on-one training with our tutor. I also started my apprenticeship with a company that unfortunately went into liquidation, halfway through my studies. After speaking to Craven College about this situation and how worried I was to find another placement, they took action and helped me straight away. Therefore, I was able to continue my apprenticeship at a new placement.
How are your studies progressing?
I am still completing my Level 3 Digital Marketing apprenticeship; however, I am expected to finish very soon. It has been such a learning experience, but I feel ready for that next step in my career.
How has your apprenticeship contributed to your long- term career goals?
I think that after I have completed my apprenticeship, I will be incredibly proud of the 18 months of hard work I have put into it. It’s made me realise that you should always believe that you can achieve anything you’d like to do. I’d like to grow within the company at the Yorkshire Food Guide even further in my future career.
If I could give advice to someone considering an apprenticeship, what would it be?
I would say that you have to be hard working and determined, to go into the world of work straight after school can feel daunting. I felt that in sixth form, university was heavily influenced compared to apprenticeships. However, I definitely think it was the right choice. I feel as though I have grown so much knowledge and developed as a person, just by taking this step.
Amanda Bowerbank, Lecturer in Digital Skills and Employability said “Grace has worked really hard throughout her apprenticeship and enjoys this role. Grace took on the marketing role at Yorkshire Food Guide which she thoroughly enjoys, and this led to having more responsibility in the workplace. When she told me she had won the Apprenticeship of the Year, I was very proud of her and very well deserved. She is now at the final stretch of her apprenticeship which I think she will do very well in. Well done, Grace!”
Congratulations on your win Grace – we’re all really proud of you and we just know you’ll go on to do great things!
