Q&A: Studying a content production apprenticeship with Ignite Training
Posted on: 2nd Aug 2024
Apprenticeships 
Marketing – and content creation specifically – has experienced significant growth, with global investments rising by five per cent in 2023.
For some, beginning a career in marketing is achieved by studying at university. But increasingly, new and existing professionals are turning to apprenticeships when seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills of the sector.
Izzy Fuller is one of the latest graduates of Ignite Training’s Level 3 Content Production apprenticeship. The course helps professional sports clubs and businesses to upskill colleagues or recruit new talent – and create regular content across multiple platforms.
She completed her course with the Ignite Group, working across Velocity Football and Ignite Sport. In our latest blog, Izzy shares some insights from her apprenticeship experience from skills developed to key recommendations.
Personal development
Top of most people’s lists when asked about the benefits of studying an apprenticeship is a person’s ability to develop skills specific to a particular career.
For Izzy, learning on the job has been great for her development, but building professional skills and confidence is something which she values even more highly, and which she’ll take forwards into her next challenge.
“The key take out from studying an apprenticeship is my confidence,” said Izzy. “Opportunities to network and build my contacts have really brought me out of my shell.
“Learning on the job means I’ve developed a strong understanding of deadlines and organisation too, two invaluable skills for me moving forwards.
“There’s no doubt the course has contributed positively to my all-round development.”
Apprenticeship vs university
A post-pandemic study by the London School of Economics found that apprentices in their 20s can earn up to £7,000 per year more than their graduate counterparts.
As an apprentice, the top benefits include:
- A learner ends their studies with no debt attached, as training is entirely funded.
- Apprentices can use their qualifications to continue studies at university.
Both of those points resonate with Izzy.
She added: “I’m a hands-on, practical person. I’ve always developed quicker when set a real-life task, rather than being sat at a desk.
“Learning and developing my skills in content creation was something I remain enthusiastic about, but I had a strong feeling university wouldn’t be for me.
“By studying an apprenticeship, I’ve met so many interesting people and been exposed to situations I feel university would struggle to provide. Now I’ve completed my apprenticeship, there are so many options available to me and I’m excited for the future.”
Earning and learning
The current minimum wage for UK-based apprentices is £6.40 per hour, but many employers who invest in apprenticeships choose to pay above the required minimum wage.
Of course, established professionals who enrol onto a vocational qualification can still earn their present wage whilst studying – meaning their monthly income is unaffected.
For the employer, funding via the apprenticeship levy in most cases covers training costs. For Izzy, she was a new employee – and chose apprenticeships over university.
“I could afford to do everything I wished,” said Izzy. “Personally, I view my time studying an apprenticeship as time invested in my own development.
“Pay shouldn’t be a barrier, even if you’re an established professional seeking a career change. When studying an apprenticeship, you always have the sense that you are moving ahead in your career.
“To compare my time studying an apprenticeship with friends at university, I’m earning and learning – and building a strong book of contacts at the same time which I quickly learnt is so important.”
READ MORE: How to make an apprenticeship in your 30s work
Fulfilling experience
Reflecting on her time studying an apprenticeship, Izzy has no regrets and pointed to her supportive colleagues as the highlight of her time.
She said: “Without question the people made my apprenticeship so special.
“My colleagues at Oxford City FC and Ignite Training really do feel like family. Studying this apprenticeship has been deeply fulfilling.
“I have genuinely looked forward to coming into work every day – the atmosphere, the people and tasks we work to overcome together.”
