Hi, I’m Jorja, and I’m currently in the first year of my four-year digital marketing degree apprenticeship.
Like most school leavers, I spent a lot of time weighing up my options after college and trying to decide whether university was the right path for me. If you’re reading this, you might be in the same position right now.
I was there not long ago, so I wanted to share my experience, along with insights from some of my fellow apprentices, to give you an honest picture of what life is really like once you start.
Where I Work (and Who I Work With)
I work at Early Talent Academy, which is part of the wider GRB Group. The group includes GRB (Graduate Recruitment Bureau), GRS (Graduate Recruitment Solutions), Graduate Mentor, GRN (Graduate Recruiters Network), and Metrica. While each team has its own focus, everything links back to the same goal: supporting early careers recruitment, from graduates through to apprentices.
The apprenticeship programme only started a couple of years ago, and there are currently five of us spread across different divisions. Billy and Conor are first-year business management apprentices in GRS, Luke and Fardossa are second-year business management apprentices in GRB, and then there’s me, a first-year digital marketing degree apprentice. I mainly work within GRB and Early Talent Academy, but I also help out across the other teams when needed, which has been a great way to learn how each part of the business fits together.
What I really enjoy is how connected everything feels. Even though we sit in different areas, everyone works closely together, and as apprentices we get exposure to lots of different projects and departments. It’s given me a much broader understanding of the industry and helped me build confidence quickly.
Why I Chose a Degree Apprenticeship
I chose a degree apprenticeship because I wanted to get straight into work and build my independence. An apprenticeship, which gave me the ability to learn while gaining real experience, felt like the perfect next step.
Billy, a GRS apprentice, summed it up perfectly:
“You get a paid-for degree with four years’ guaranteed work experience, which puts you miles ahead when you graduate.”
I think that really reflects how many of us feel. This opportunity allows us to avoid student debt, earn a salary, continue our studies, and graduate with years of experience, all of which combined make this route incredibly appealing.
What stood out most for me is how practical everything feels. You’re not just learning theory, you’re applying it directly to your job, which makes it easier to understand and far more rewarding because you can see the immediate impact.
Our school leaver generation is so fortunate that fantastic apprenticeship opportunities are becoming equivalent options to further education and university and are no longer seen as second-class. It opens a whole new world of experience and qualifications for people, which I am grateful for.
If you want to learn more about degree apprenticeships, check out our blog on how degree apprenticeships are redefining higher education
The Support You Get Really Makes a Difference
One thing I didn’t fully realise before starting was just how much support would be available, from every side.
From university, we get structured teaching sessions, online learning materials, workshops, and one-to-one support for assignments. This is very similar to a traditional university experience, except they understand that we work full time and are flexible when needed.
Our employers also play a big role. We’re given time during work hours to complete university tasks, access to mentors, and support from experienced colleagues, providing us with help from all different levels. Everyone understands we’re balancing work and study, which makes things easier to manage.
In other words, having support from both sides really helps you stay on track and keeps you motivated.
Advice for Anyone Searching for an Apprenticeship
If you’re currently applying, my biggest advice is to stay confident and keep going. Rejections happen, and it can feel discouraging, but persistence really matters.
Luke, a GRB apprentice, put it simply:
“Apply for as many as you can and keep going, even if you get rejected.”
From talking to others, here’s what we’d all recommend:
- Start applying early and stay organised
- Keep a record of all your applications and how far you got
- Tailor your CV and cover letters to each role
- Use the government apprenticeship website
- Apply for roles you’re genuinely interested in
- Research the industry and job properly
- Use Early Talent Academy’s job board
Fardossa, a GRB apprentice, also reminded me that experience isn’t everything:
“You don’t need industry experience to get started. Employers really value transferable skills and willingness to learn, so make sure to show them off”
What Your First Week Might Look Like
Overall, most of us found our first week exciting but overwhelming. There’s a lot to take in, as you’ll need to meet your team, learn the systems and processes, begin to understand your role, and generally adjust to working life.
My first week felt chaotic at times, but everyone was welcoming and supportive, which helped me settle in quickly. Others had similar experiences, as the first week is usually training-based, giving you time to learn about the company and build confidence before fully stepping into your role.
The Skills You’ll Build (Without Even Realising)
One of the biggest skills we’ve all developed is time management. As Conor, a GRS apprentice, stated:
“Time management has taught me how to prioritise tasks, plan ahead, and stay organised, making it a skill crucial to my success.”
Personally, I’ve also learned how important adaptability is. Things change, unexpected tasks come up, and learning how to adjust quickly has helped me both professionally and personally. It’s something I rely on every day, and it’s made a big difference in how I handle challenges.
There are so many more skills I’ve developed over these last few months, as being thrust into a new environment forces you to learn and adapt in amazing ways. For a more detailed list of skills you can develop, check out our list of Future-Proof Skills: Why Apprenticeships are the Smart Choice
Looking Ahead
What excites me most is seeing how much I’m already learning.
Even in my first year, I’ve started to feel more confident in meetings, more comfortable asking questions, and better at managing my time between work and university. Small things like contributing ideas during team discussions or completing my first real projects have made a big difference to how capable I feel.
I’m looking forward to building on these skills, taking on more responsibility at work, and continuing to grow both professionally and personally. It’s exciting to think about where this journey could lead over the next few years.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a degree apprenticeship isn’t always easy, but for me, it’s been the right decision.
Being able to earn while studying, gain real workplace experience, and work towards a degree at the same time has helped me feel more independent and motivated. There are busy weeks, especially when assignments are due, but seeing how everything connects in real life makes it worth it.
If you’re thinking about applying, my advice is simple: go for it. Be patient with the process, stay organised, and don’t be afraid to back yourself. It takes effort, but the experience you gain along the way is valuable.
And remember, this is just the beginning.
Register to learn more about our upcoming apprenticeship opportunities. Your future is waiting – are you ready?
