Early Careers Apprentice Review

My role focuses on the delivery of the C4 apprenticeship programme and any other early careers activity when required. My week is structured 80:20 so 4 days a week are spent working whilst 1 day is spent studying online. For my study day, I have a tutor that sets me tasks every week relating to my Recruitment Resourcer qualification. We currently have a hybrid working scheme meaning 2 days of the week I will be working in the office and the other two I will work from home. In my day-to-day life, i attend recurring meetings with my small team, the department and 1-1s with my manager and colleagues. Due to my focus on the apprenticeship programme, my days are spent organising events, sending out emails, creating Social Media content and more.

Channel 4 encourages upskilling of all employees, we have Learning at work week that occurs multiple times a year. This week is set by our L and D team with a variety of courses available put on by internal/external speakers, they include personal development courses, yoga and more. When I began my apprenticeship, I completed many e-learning courses that developed on my knowledge around software such as Outlook, Excel, teams and Word. I have also developed on skills such as communication skills as well as organisation skills due to my role. Completing InDesign training has allowed me to become proficient in the Software. I have also attended a BSL learning course.

I enjoy my programme as I am interested in Human relations as well as digital advertising. My role allows me to interact with all parts of the business giving me an insight into the foundation of C4. 4Skills, our programme, focuses on acquiring and nurturing talent nationwide. To be apart of the change created through entertainment and within the Channel 4 offices as they represent unheard voices is great.

My programme is organised and works well for me. The 80:20 structure of my apprenticeship is preferable as I know when to focus on what, any other structure would be overwhelming for anyone. My tutor is incredibly helpful, if I don't understand a task she always encourages me to ask her for help. Moreover, if the task I am completing does not relate to work I am doing, I can ask for it to be rearranged so I can add evidence from my work into assignments.

Enough support. We have an employee assistance programme that is available as well as ERGs ( employee resource groups) that include 4Pride, 4Mind, 4Earth, and more. These groups have weekly meetings and are a place to discuss personal and professional matters relating to the group, people can find a sense of community and allyship. They also hold events! We recently also had a period policy in place that gave out free period underwear and free fertility tests.

I receive a lot of support from my training provider. I ask how my progression is and my tutor is clear about what I should do more of to complete my qualification. However, I do wish there was a clear framework for the criteria desired for my EPA similar to an exam specification.

It definitely does. There are many things that I was not aware about in the recruitment world that I was taught about in my apprenticeship. Every month, apprentices formulate a Work Shadow Log that allows us to reflect on the work we have done in the office and evaluate how it is relevant to our course. This is useful as it helps me remember and revise the vast variety of skills I have acquired over the month as well as my training. I am always asked if there is anything else I would like to do in the office by my manager and tutor such as shadowing another team to develop on my knowledge.

Absolutely. Every month there are at least 3 events going on in the office that are available to get involved in. I come in and leave that day feeling incredibly grateful for this opportunity I have gotten. I have spoken to an incredible array of people, I have been exposed to, culture, arts and thought-provoking panel discussions that I never would have without Channel 4. My team also has social events frequently after work. There is so much I could speak about!

Yes

The environment, socially conscious schemes and the dynamic interactions between colleagues. It is a fresh breath of air. The consideration for the employees is seen in subsidised canteen food, grants due to cost of living crisis and more. The friendliness you are greeted with by genuinely anyone in the building!

I would say 100% understand the Channel 4 remit, know what makes Channel 4 what it is. Thoroughly understand the role you are applying for and show your skills. They should reflect in the experiences you have had. If you are interested in anything, show it. Do not say it, show you have a keen passion for your role by watching YT panel discussions from the teams (@4Skills YouTube) , connecting and engaging with the industry on LinkedIn etc. You have an equal chance in succeeding as much as the next person does. Apprentices are given much more responsibility than you realise (of course after training), your ideas are taken into account as much as the next employee. Good luck!