No looking back for Digital Marketing Apprentice
20 year-old Will Paul was always reasonably academic at school. With good A levels, he followed the same path as many of his peers and applied to Manchester Metropolitan University to do a business degree and continue his education.
But it wasn’t what he expected.
He says: “I’d worked through the summer and I found the adjustment to learning full time again quite difficult. I don’t think the course was right for me, but I was also used to having some responsibility in my job and having money in the bank.”
Bravely deciding he’d made a mistake, Will saw a job advertised for a digital marketing apprentice at 9xb and realised it was just what he was looking for.
9xb is a Harrogate-based specialist digital agency that delivers e-commerce, m-commerce and website solutions for the brands it works with across multiple channels.
“The decision to apply was a no-brainer, really,” says Will. “I would get the chance to continue my education, get a recognised qualification as well as be in the working environment and learn from those around me. Oh, and I’d earn money too!”
As a digital account executive for 9xb, Will is undertaking a level 3 apprenticeship in digital marketing delivered by Intec Business Colleges. Clearly, as digital marketing specialists, 9xb needs to practice what it preaches, so ensuring its staff are thoroughly trained in the basics and up to date with new applications is essential.
“I’m really enjoying working for the company,” says Will. “As well as working alongside senior project managers on major websites that need a full build, I also have some smaller clients of my own and undertake web enhancement work for them that helps me build up my portfolio. I’m lucky enough to have worked with clients that everyone has heard of including the Post Office and Harrogate Spring Water!
“I enjoy testing usability for the sites and the technicalities as I have an eye for detail. But I also like to use my creativity and this role combines my skills perfectly.”
Proving that university isn’t for everyone, Will is happy with the change of direction he took.
“This is the career for me. It’s what I wanted to do anyway after uni, now I’m back on track.”
And William continues to progress...
1 year on from starting his apprenticeship Will has achieved his Digital Marketing qualification and has been promoted to the role of project manager.
"As Will progressed through his training he took on more responsibility, speaking directly to his own clients and gaining confidence while doing so. He learned the value of time management and organisation and was given the autonomy to work out systems that benefited his workload."
To support this wonderful advancement in Wills career he is also starting his Higher level Apprenticeship in Management. This foundation degree equivalent qualification is delivered by Intec in partnership with the Charted Management Institute and will develop Wills skills in a variety of Management competencies​
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