Back to the busy season

The start of a new academic year always feels a little bit like a fresh start. Things are usually quieter throughout August, with colleges and education providers closing for the summer holidays, so it’s been nice to see everything starting to pick back up again

I actually prefer being busy, so I’m looking forward to getting back into the swing of things. There’s something about having lots going on that makes me feel like I’m really getting stuck into my work.

One of the biggest things I’ve been working on is our new academic year campaign. The aim is to encourage more centres to work with us and offer our qualifications, diplomas and more to their learners.

I’ve been involved in creating the campaign across a few different areas, including designing a flyer, creating social media content and updating our ad boards on the websites. It’s been really nice to see all these different pieces come together, and hopefully it will help bring some new centres into the group!

A new look for a new academic year

Something else that has been really exciting is the launch of our new suite of graphics.

Over the past couple of months, the marketing team has been working on creating a completely new look for the organisation across our socials. We wanted something fresh and up to date, while still recognisable and true to our established brand identity.

Using Canva, we’ve created a new suite of templates for each organisation within the group, covering lots of different types of content. And I definitely won’t pretend it was a quick process!

There were quite a few moments where we thought we had settled on a design, only for the final version to look completely different. But that’s part of the creative process, and it’s important to ensure our content serves our customers’ needs and conveys key messages across the One Skills and Education Group ethos. It was interesting being able to collaborate as a team and see the designs develop over time.

It’s one of those projects where you don’t realise how much work has gone into it until you see everything together at the end.

Feeling a little more confident

I’ve also been thinking quite a lot recently about how I feel about being an apprentice.

Sometimes it’s easy to look around at other people in marketing and feel like you’re behind. There are always people who seem to know more, have more experience or are already doing the job you’re hoping to do one day.

But when I stop to look at what I’ve achieved since starting my apprenticeship, I realise I’ve come much further than I sometimes give myself credit for.

I’m trusted with real campaigns, including Education Membership, Events and Training and promoting our qualification offer for Skills and Education Group Awards and Skills and Education Access. I create multi-channel content, work with analytics, get involved in projects and contribute ideas. Things that used to feel intimidating are becoming things I’m comfortable doing, and I think that’s one of the best parts of learning on the job.

I’m still learning, of course, but I’m starting to see myself less as “the apprentice” and more as someone who actually has a place within the marketing team. I think that’s a pretty nice feeling.

Birthday celebrations 

It was also my birthday at the end of last month, and I had such a lovely day!

My fiancé planned loads of different things for us to do, including seeing the new Spider-Man film, having a pint with my dad, going bowling, and, of course, getting some amazing food. You can’t go wrong with a bit of Nando’s.

But one of my favourite parts was the effort my fiancé put into everything. He even made me a Spider-Man cake and got me pigeon wrapping paper because I absolutely love pigeons.

The wrapping paper was decorated so well, and it was such a small but personal detail that made me really happy. It was just a really nice day and a lovely way to start another year.

Hello, autumn 

And finally… AUTUMN IS HERE!

I think it’s safe to say this is my favourite time of year.

There’s something about autumn that makes everything feel a little cosier. I love getting the candles out, having the blankets ready and settling down somewhere warm with a spiced pumpkin latte when it’s cold outside.

Looking ahead

So, that’s another month in my life as a marketing apprentice!

September feels like a bit of a reset. Work is getting busier, new projects are launching, we have a new look on socials, and I’m exploring my skills and how they will enhance my career.

Outside of work, I’ve been making more time for the things that make me happy too, history, Spanish, puzzles, the gym, autumn, cosy evenings and spending time with the people I love.

I think sometimes a fresh start doesn’t have to mean completely changing your life. Sometimes it’s just about getting back into the things you enjoy, trying something new and appreciating how far you’ve already come.

Here’s to the new academic year!