I really enjoyed my time at College, studying subjects I enjoyed and meeting people who have now become lifelong friends.

While I was at College, I originally planned to go to university and joined the university pathway because I believed it was the right route for me. However, when the time came to submit my UCAS application, I started looking at apprenticeships as I felt that would be a better option.

I applied for marketing and creative roles, with the aim of eventually becoming a marketer. At the time, I had planned to study Fashion Marketing at university, so apprenticeships offered another route into a similar career.

Applying for apprenticeships was challenging, particularly because of how competitive the sector is. Opportunities can be limited and there are often large numbers of applicants competing for each position. After numerous rejections, I secured an apprenticeship working in the marketing department of a college while studying towards a professional qualification – the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Level 4 Certificate.

Completing the apprenticeship and achieving a Distinction gave me a strong foundation for the next stage of my career. Rather than moving to a new organisation, I decided to move sideways and continue my progression there.

I currently work as an Examinations Officer, managing qualifications and organising exams for students. That career move sometimes surprises people because it is different from the area I originally trained in. However, moving sideways within a company I already knew was one of the best decisions I made. I have developed skills that I can take into other areas of work, and although the role is different from what I originally studied, the experience will be valuable for my CV.

Alongside my day-to-day role, I have had the opportunity to gain a range of other experiences. These include organising large events, working at Reading Festival, achieving a Level 3 First Aid qualification and creating TikTok content that received more than 100,000 views. I was able to gain this experience while completing my Level 4 qualification and building industry knowledge.

Another great thing that happened because I work at the college was being given the opportunity to gain a further Level 4 apprenticeship in Artificial Intelligence. With the role of AI growing in industry, this is a valuable qualification that I may not have had access to elsewhere.

Looking further ahead, I would like to complete a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship or potentially go to university and study for a degree. But for now, I’m focused on gaining valuable work experience and continuing to build skills that I can take forward in my career.

My advice to students considering the Degree Apprenticeship or Higher Apprenticeship route is to go for it. Although it’s highly competitive and there will be challenges along the way, the combination of work experience, professional connections and industry-recognised qualifications can help you build a successful career.  And that’s true even if it ends up being in an area you had not originally considered.

Ben Littlefield
Reigate College: 2021-2023
Higher Education: Level 4 Marketing (CIM) apprenticeship at Reading College while working as a Digital Marketing apprentice for Activate Learning
Currently: Examinations Officer, Activate Learning