Graduate Content and Learning Specialist Review

In-house editor working on educational textbooks, digital learning resources...etc. General responsibilities: -Proofreading and copy-editing -Writing briefs -Conducting QA checks on products -Sensitively communicating feedback to authors. In addition to my role, I attend a training workshop with the apprenticeship provider once a month, and 20% of my time in a week is spent on off-the-job training. This includes working on assessed project work, doing courses and exercises related to the role...etc.

I was given the opportunity to the Publishing Training Centre course, Introduction to Editorial Skills. This was a nice complement to the editorial skills of copy-editing, proofreading, and development editing I have been learning on the job. The role has given me a good amount of experience in managing stakeholders both internally and externally, as well as a good grounding in the overall publishing process. Seeing the amount of work that goes into producing books really is eye-opening.

I very much enjoy the programme I am on. The amount of responsibility I have been given in such a short space of time has been brilliant for improving my confidence and capabilities. The work itself is interesting and challenging and I am privileged to sit in a great team (though I've yet to encounter anyone who isn't friendly and helpful). The company culture is very positive and geared towards development, so I have gotten on with it quite well.

This is the first year in which the specific apprenticeship has been run. At the start there were a few kinks to work out, however, I am impressed with how smoothly the programme has run, particularly with the background of Covid-19. The learning itself is divided into 'pathways' which cover different broad aspects of the publishing industry. This is sensible and logical. The support I have been given both by my internal manager and by my apprenticeship skills coach has been incredible.

A lot. My line manager meets with me regularly to discuss progress with my role and my apprenticeship training. They are always willing to help manage and prioritise commitments to ensure that my 20% off-the-job training is not compromised. The internal apprenticeship team has been incredibly responsive and proactive with following up any concerns I have had with the programme and has arranged meetings with the apprenticeship provider to share feedback and discuss improvements.

The skills coach I have had for my time on this apprenticeship has been incredibly supportive with both pastoral and educational needs. They have run with the motto of being each apprentice's 'personal cheerleader' and this has really shone through. They have been motivational and supportive even in times where I have been struggling with confidence.

The qualification provides context and experiences that I would not otherwise access through my role. I work for an educational publisher, however the apprenticeship gives a background on the processes and events going on in the industry as a whole. It has given me a lot more context as to where I fit within my company but also within the wider publishing industry. Knowing the context helps me to perform better in my role as I have been given a greater understanding of why certain processes are in place.

I have been involved with writing content for my division's internal newsletter. I take part in a weekly social quiz and have attended weekly yoga lessons (now done virtually due to Covid). There are plenty of opportunities to get involved with projects and social activities outside of your standard role.

Yes

-How much I have learnt -The responsibility and opportunities to progress I have been given -The perks of working for a large company that values its employees and invests in their development -The support I have been given both internally and externally -Positive company ethos -My team's cake rota

Don't be afraid to show your personality. Investigate the industry a bit before you apply and put yourself into the position of a teacher/customer or a learner: what do you want and need? Thinking about the context of why we do what we do will help you to come up with good answers in the interview and assessment.