In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, stalwart of the Communications and Marketing team, Rebecca Littlewood has reflected on her own recent apprenticeship journey.

Having been with Ashgate for nearly 20 years, Rebecca decided to pursue a Marketing Executive apprenticeship to deepen her digital marketing knowledge and gain a professional qualification. 

She shares how the apprenticeship not only enhanced her skills but also boosted her confidence in her abilities. Now, as Digital Marketing Manager, she’s excited to continue growing and applying her knowledge in new areas.  

This summer will mark a milestone in my career – 20 years of working at Ashgate Hospice. I joined the hospice when I was just 18, taking on a summer role to help with the Lights of Love – now Light up a Life – campaign. Back then, the fundraising team was small, and the income budget was a modest £800,000. Fast forward to today, and the Fundraising team has grown, and so has the impact we have on the community of North Derbyshire. 

In that time, I have also seen the emergence of our excellent Marketing and Communications team, which I’m so proud to be a part of. When I first joined, the team didn’t even exist; now it’s made up of eight incredible people who help showcase the vital work the hospice does both internally and to the wider world. It’s been a privilege being part of such a dynamic journey over the past two decades, and over the last couple of years I’ve had the opportunity to embark on an exciting new chapter: an apprenticeship. 

What did I study? 

I completed the Level 4 Marketing Executive apprenticeship, which lasted for 15 months in total, starting in April 2023 with the final assessment in September last year. The program was broken down into several modules, each lasting a couple of months. The learning was a mix of webinars, reading, and real-life application. I had to show how I was using what I learned in my day-to-day job, which kept it relevant and practical. 

At the end of the apprenticeship, I had to complete an end-point assessment, which included writing a project report, presenting it, and having a professional discussion. There was also a multiple-choice exam, testing my knowledge across the different modules. 

Why an apprenticeship? 

You might wonder why, after two decades in the workforce, I decided to pursue an apprenticeship. I basically wanted something to cement my knowledge in digital marketing and gain a professional qualification. I already had experience in the wider marketing subject and business studies but wanted to learn everything I could about digital marketing specifically. An apprenticeship was an attractive method of doing this. I was already working specifically on social media and website related development, so I could apply what I learned straight away on the job. 

I wanted to get deeper knowledge of digital marketing and learning about it all whilst working helped me to apply it straight away. Ultimately, it was an opportunity to grow my understanding of digital marketing and enhance my skills, something I felt would propel me further in my career. 

Challenges and surprises 

Like any major learning experience, of course there were challenges along the way. One of the biggest hurdles was finding time to complete the modules. Balancing work, the apprenticeship, and life outside of the office was tough at times. However, with the support of my manager and colleagues, I was able to push through; setting aside specific time in my calendar to focus on learning really helped me stay on track. 

The structure of the course also helped make it manageable. The modules were broken into manageable chunks that built upon each other. Each time I completed a module and applied it to my work, I felt a sense of accomplishment, which kept me motivated. It made the process feel less overwhelming. 

How the apprenticeship has helped me grow 

On a personal level, the apprenticeship has helped me gain more confidence in my abilities. Even though I’ve been doing digital marketing for years, having the formal qualification to back it up has been incredibly validating. The apprenticeship allowed me to say, “Yes, I do know what I’m doing.” It’s given me the confidence to take on more responsibilities and broaden my role. When I started the apprenticeship, I was working as a Social Media Officer, and now I’m a Digital Marketing Manager. This qualification has opened up new areas of digital marketing for me, and I’m excited to continue to keep on learning. 

Advice for others considering an apprenticeship 

If you’re considering an apprenticeship, I’d encourage you to seriously consider it, especially if you work for the hospice. Find out about the opportunities in areas that interest you. Don’t worry if you think you won’t be able to apply everything to your current role – you’ll be surprised how much you can bring into your work, and there will be people around you to guide you through it. An apprenticeship isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about growth, both for you and the business. 

Whether you’re at the beginning of your career or have years of experience, an apprenticeship is an investment in yourself. It’s a chance to learn, grow and prove that you’re capable of taking on new challenges. 

To anyone thinking about it, I say go for it! The journey will be worth it, and you’ll come out the other side more confident, qualified, and ready for the next step in your career.