FORMER college student Beth Wood says starting an apprenticeship with Warrington’s largest adult social care provider Catalyst Choices was one of the best decisions of her life.
Beth, aged 19 from Lymm, is now nearing the end of her 12-month Social Media and Digital Marketing apprenticeship with the Warrington based Community Interest Company.
“My dream was to be a digital journalist, I planned to go to college, after A levels then start a Media degree at Lancaster University. I left high school with great GCSE’s, ready to start off my first college year at Priestley College with much determination and ambition,” said Beth.
“At this stage, I had not considered any other options as this was the advised best route and I followed my heart as all my other friends were going down the same route, so, why wouldn’t I?
“At first, I was loving my first month or two as an A level student it was a different environment and the transition from calling your teachers ‘Sir’ and ‘Miss’ for five years, to then be granted with first name terms seemed so cool! Everything seemed great, the shorter days, the freedom of free timetable slots all seemed very grown up, however as time went on, things changed…
“The work load seemed to have gotten progressively larger, I achieved good results in my chosen topics in the first year however the second year was noticeably harder and I had to consider if this really was the right path for me? I learnt a valuable lesson from this experience to keep an open mind regarding my education and that there are different routes to the career you want!
“Motivated by the same determination and ambition, I was going to do everything I could to ensure success. I found a website for an apprentice training program ran by ‘The Juice Academy’ in Castlefield, the program enables students to achieve a great qualification through an apprenticeship in Social Media and Digital Marketing for business whilst gaining valuable real-life work experience – in fact this is the UK’s first industry led provider!
“This route was perfect for me and I knew I had to apply even though this wasn’t my original plan so I prepared well to give it my best shot. On the assessment day I had various tasks to demonstrate my creative side against other candidates going for the same job. Things such as creating a short promotional video, a mini presentation and in the end, an interview.
“My hard work paid off and I was successful with my chosen appointment! David Osborne, Managing Director of Catalyst Choices decided I was the right candidate to help boost the company’s online presence and I was delighted to be appointed as the first ever Social Media Apprentice at Catalyst Choices.”
Beth added: “Catalyst Choices are Warrington’s largest adult social care provider. They offer an incredible range of social care services including respite, residential and day care across the Warrington Community, making better lives for older people and adults with learning disabilities.
“Catalyst Choices provided a full induction, I was shown around all the amazing sites meeting some truly inspirational clients, carers and staff. I knew I was extremely lucky to be working for a company who do such great things to help others!”
Her role has included assisting in the development of the social media channels to build a lasting digital connection with clients, carers, families and professionals. She has also assisted with creative marketing content involving brand awareness to promote the business and services.
Beth added: “I feel like I have achieved a lot during my time at Catalyst Choices including plenty of new useful skills including new technologies to create surveys, advertisements for local media and content for digital platforms and build new relationships with media partners. The experience has been incredible, and I have found a new-found passion for what I do!
“I love my role at Catalyst and the experience has reinforced my choice to pursue a career in marketing and social media. I am exploring a new talent and although it was not planned, it is the best decision I have ever made!
I am excited to see where the future will take me as I come to the end of my apprenticeship and start a new chapter I will leave you with one of my favourite quotes…
“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.” Steve Jobs – Founder Apple.
Foot Note Beth has now been appointed as Marketing Executive at Catalyst Choices
