Partner Marketing Apprentice Review

I'm responsible for managing Engaged & Emerging partner's marketing where I get to interact on a daily basis with over 40 vendors and partners who are renowned in the IT industry. I've been given the opportunity to lead the creation of a partner platform recently that has enabled me to deliver presentations and lead discussions with my department, external stakeholders and senior leaders within the business.

My confidence has grown massively since joining Softcat - the trust, belief and encouragement apprentices receive from all areas of the business is amazing. The Learning and Development team in particular support you throughout the entire apprenticeship and induction journey. During our induction week we were introduced to a variety of workshops and training sessions ranging from how to 'brand' ourselves to nutrition workshops. I have been able to lead my own video project for the recruitment site which has helped develop my communication and leadership skills. On top of that, my day to day role has allowed me to push myself to develop my creativity, organisation and prioritisation as I'm responsible for leading marketing plans for external partners. All apprentices also take part in the cross programme project, which is completely unique to Softcat. This enables us to feel empowered to lead an initiative that will have a positive change on the business. This opportunity allows apprentices to have visibility with the senor leadership members of the business and make a real direct impact.

Softcat's culture and my overall experience has exceeded expectations. Despite beginning my career in the middle of a pandemic and being forced to work from home, I still truly feel like a part of the fun, caring, encouraging culture that Softcat offers. My team have been beyond welcoming and supportive since I joined - we have regular catch ups and make sure to arrange picnics, dinners etc where we can build relationships outside of the work environment.

The structure within the programme ensures that Softcat are incredibly supportive from the get go. Every apprentice is onboarded through the induction week where we are all introduced to the Softcat culture, processes and attend key training sessions. There was a segment called #apprenticesgettalking where past apprentices spoke openly about mental health and how to support one another, especially as new employees. I have regular 121 sessions with my line manager, head of department and director. By having this opportunity to speak on a personal level to senior leaders and directors I no longer see a team hierarchy within a business as daunting or feel those in senior roles are unapproachable. I know I can talk openly about my own personal development and any requests for developing my skills in other areas will be listened to and encouraged.

As part of the programme Softcat ensure all apprentices are paired with a 'buddy' (a previous apprentice). Having this connection with a previous apprentice straight away really helped me when it came to sharing any concerns or anxieties whether it be with workload or personal life. It was really beneficial having that guide that can pass on their experiences of being an apprentice. There are endless avenues of support at Softcat, all of which are open and welcoming. Whether it be your line manager, apprentice buddy, mentor, mental health first aider, community leader etc.

We meet with our development coach on a monthly basis with consistent 121 sessions and group workshops. Whenever I need extra support in regards to coursework or module answers I can easily reach out to my development coach and she is always happy to help, whether that be scheduling a call or supporting my learning with extra resources.

My apprenticeship helps my day to day as the course covers all business fundamentals. For example, learning about project management has really benefitted me when going through the process of leading projects of my own.

Softcat have multiple communities that are available for employees to be a part of, for example BAME, pride network, supporting women in business and family network. These communities have regular events and activities that are open for the whole company, an example of this are the inspirational guest speakers/panels. Softcat also has a love2volunteer group where individuals can volunteer to help out, we've previously led a beach clean initiative. Similarly Softcat encourage employees to sign up to the volunteering platform OnHand. This enables people to have play an active part in benefitting the local community with things like collecting elderly people's shopping, having phone calls or being mentors.

Yes

100%. The culture, people and opportunities available enable all apprentices to develop skills and gain experience in an open and nurturing environment.

- Be enthusiastic to learn and experience new things. -Be willing to step out your comfort zone. - Ask questions and utilise the people around you.