PR and Communications Apprentice Review

My role of the Communications apprentice is to support the global communications team with publicity of customer case studies through a program called Spotlight. Managing the program across communications, I am responsible for helping to assess the credibility of the story, writing media appropriate content and sharing this with Sage colleagues and across the appropriate external channels. Within this varied role I work with the marketing team and other areas of the business to support the execution of communications activity.

Yes - I've build on my confidence, teamwork and organisation skills by working on blogs and articles with a few colleagues from the global comms team. Scheduled social media tweets via Hootsuite for an official partners page. Focused on aspects of Sage Enterprise Management Partner Summit Event by scheduling 121 interviews, preparing travel and customer soundbites from case studies.

I enjoy working with my team, I have a good working relationship with my manager and she supports me with everything and anything. Her feedback is key for me and my growth. The apprenticeship is very professional and well structured, I have been lucky to get involved in high key events and courses. There is a lot of opportunity.

The company is very well organised, they are keen to make colleagues experience at Sage the best and action anything that may be a worry to colleagues. Although it was a 6 month delay in the apprenticeship programme, I'm glad I have finally started and the apprenticeship is 100% worth it to develop my skills and knowledge.

ALOT. The overall Sage internal platform is great for insights, news and learning (especially if your a new colleague). My manager is very helpful and provides me with great feedback to help me. I feel very lucky to have a team of hard working people who support me and trust my actions.

I have only started for 2 weeks, but feel like I've been in contact with my tutor a lot. The provider schedules monthly meetings for me to let my tutor know how I'm doing and for them to mark my work and provide any feedback. Every week there is a online portal to show me what I will be doing which I feel is very organised. There are also courses and events to help me even more.

It's helped me perform better in my role because I feel like I have more knowledge of PR (my course) and so I can bring more skills to the table and help others. The books and folders they provide at the start helps in case I don't fully understand something, so I can always go back while I'm at work and have a quick read.

I have a upcoming press release course for a day (Writing better press releases). I'm travelling to Newcastle for 2 days to attend a careers advice event and to do some volunteering for Sage Foundation (a programme to support charities). I have been invited for 2 seminars from the apprenticeship course. I've also been in a few professional meetings which helps me with networking and connects me with a few people from the industry.

Yes

Sage has helped me become a better person by making me feel special as they listen, trust and support you with all the projects and tasks that you may have. They treat all their apprentices like full time employees. The skills and knowledge Sage have helped me gain within just 6 months is outstanding and I feel so blessed to be in this position.

Make the most out of this because it's such an amazing opportunity. You study, earn and gain all at the same time. Not only that, when you finish your apprenticeship you will have a brilliant qualification with the best knowledge and have experience working in a professional team/ company.