After joining in March 2017 our latest apprenticeship graduate, Crystal, has spent the past year with our marketing team. After successfully completing her apprenticeship and securing a full-time position as Marketing Assistant; we asked Crystal a few questions to see how she found her time as an apprentice with Athona.
What were you doing before joining Athona?
Before I joined Athona I attended college and studied a business and marketing course.
How did you find out about the apprenticeship scheme at Athona?
After realising college wasn’t the path I wanted to continue on, I had a look on the GOV.UK website where I came across training provider ‘The LightBulb’. They told me how great the apprenticeship scheme at Athona was and told me about the friendly and welcoming environment.
What were your initial impressions when joining us?
When I first started I was terrified, working in an office environment was something completely new to me, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. But, as soon as I walked into the office I felt welcomed straight away – from my induction all the way through to being shown my new desk, everyone was so lovely!
How did you find your apprenticeship within the marketing team?
I couldn’t have asked for a better team, they’ve been so supportive and are one of the main reasons I’ve learnt so much. If I ever have a question or was unsure how to do something, someone took time out of what they were doing to help and show me what to do. They’ve equipped me with the necessary skills to flourish in my marketing career.
What’s one of the best parts of your role?
The best part about my role is how varied it is and working as part of a close knit team. I’m always working on something different, and learning something new which I love – there’s never a dull moment!
What have you learnt most during your apprenticeship and time at Athona?
I’ve learnt so many things over the duration of my apprenticeship it’s hard to pin-point one particular thing. I can definitely say I’ve learnt how to confidently use adobe programmes to create marketing content, although I’m still learning! I also think my written communication skills have come a long way since I first started and overall I believe I have grown as a person, I now have the mind-set of I can do anything I set my mind too and if I think positive, good things will happen!
What advice would you give to others looking to start an apprenticeship?
I would say look around at different apprenticeships with different companies before you commit yourself to one, it’s interesting to see how each company looks after the well-being of their apprentices. For example, what I loved about my apprenticeship at Athona was how much you are looked after and recognised for your hard work, we have regular lunch and learn sessions and now apprentices are eligible to claim a NUS card – I wish I could still get one!
What are your aspirations for the future?
I was lucky enough to secure the job as Marketing Assistant, so I hope to continue and progress in my marketing career!
We’re always on the look-out for talented and ambitious people to join us as apprentices, could your future be in apprenticeship with Athona? Get in touch to find out more about our current roles:
T: 01277 217777
E: careers@athona.com
