Friday 18 December 2015

Apprentice Graduate - Ellie Bacon

Ellie Bacon

Ellie Bacon
Communications Apprentice, Ellie Bacon has recently graduated from her apprenticeship with Brighton and Hove City Council and has now moved up to London where she has started doing work experience with BBC TV entertainment. She spent 2 years working with the press office and web team within the Communications department, putting together press releases of stories that involved Brighton council, working on news desk, making short promotional films, and working on social media and web content.

Ellie achieved her level 3 NCTJ Journalism diploma, which is a new trailblazer apprenticeship at Lambeth College.

Ellie, said: “My apprenticeship has been amazing, I've learnt so much from everyone in the communications team and gained a national qualification which I can take with me where ever I go next. It has been an amazing spring board to my career and I leave with no debt which I would have if I went to university"

Ellie has made way for new Communications Apprentice, Theo Duncumb Rogers. 

Friday 11 December 2015

New Apprentice

Georgia Easteal

Age: 16
Apprenticeship: Transport Projects Apprentice
Qualification: NVQ Level 2 Business Administration

Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
I did a lot of research during year 11 on which education path I would go down after leaving school. I was unsure which career I was interested in and I didn’t want to go to college for two years and finish with qualifications that would not help me get the job I wanted.

I went to Longhill High School, who provided information on apprenticeships and we were visited by the apprentice ambassadors. This, and my own research, made me choose an apprenticeship as I know that I would be receiving good training, learning many useful skills and it would open up opportunities for me.

As I have come straight from school I was not sure what to expect, it took a few days to settle in but I got used to it very quickly. Everyone is really supportive and I am learning lots of new skills.

I’m glad I decided to do an apprenticeship as it has given me a sense of responsibility and along with earning my own money, knowing that my work is helping the residents of Brighton and Hove is a reward in itself.

Where do you go to college?
My college course is provided by City College, however I am able to do all my work in the workplace so I don’t need to go to college every week.

Background

I’ve recently left school and this apprenticeship placement is my first type of work I’ve ever done. One of my hobbies is dance which I do every Friday and also did as one of my GCSE options. 

New Apprentice

Theo Duncumb Rogers

Age: 19 
ApprenticeshipCommunications Apprentice
Qualification: NCTJ Level 3 Junior Journalist

Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
I had a gap year in which I spent most of the time wondering what I should do. I didn’t know what I would study at university and didn’t want to spend a ridiculous amount of money to study something that I was unsure I wanted to do. I also didn’t want to be burdened with the debt that university comes with. I thought an apprenticeship was the right thing for me as I would gain experience and a free qualification, which I wouldn’t get in a regular job.

I now work in the Brighton & Hove City Council press office where I write press releases, answer media enquiries and help run the council’s social media sites. Brighton & Hove City Council are the only local authority in the south east that employees journalist apprenticeships so am really grateful to be given this opportunity. 

Where do you go to college?
I attend Lambeth College in London once a week where I study shorthand, media law and news reporting.

Background
After finishing college at BHASVIC, I took a gap year in which I got a job at Boots to gain some experience. I also did a bit of travelling where I went to Gran Canaria, Paris and I interrailed around Europe. I attended Glastonbury festival and volunteered with Oxfam at Bestival which was a really great experience.