In this article, we catch up with Tassa Harrison, a Marketing Assistant Apprentice at Channel 4, and hear why she's a fan of apprenticeships.
"University is the next step for you. It's time to begin writing your personal statements," and "Tash, the UCAS deadline is near, you must select universities you want to apply to." These were the messages I got from my teachers during my time in Sixth Form, yet, a part of me felt like that wasn't the direction I wished to pursue. However, pressure from my teachers and FOMO from my school peers made me doubt myself and question if I was making the wrong decision.
Dealing with the pressure of a looming deadline, I made the decision to take a gap year. Stepping away from the academic environment and distancing myself from school peers helped me clarify my professional aspirations and the career direction I envisioned for myself. After completing exams and gaining valuable corporate experience in a full-time role, I began exploring opportunities in Marketing. During my search, I came across Channel 4 Apprentice openings. Following a rigorous 9-month application journey, I was thrilled to receive the incredible news that I had secured the position!
Life at Channel 4 has been fantastic. I have received tremendous support from my team and have been entrusted with managing social media accounts, speaking at career events, engaging with clients, and working on significant projects. My prior experience with VQ Solutions in a Business Administration Apprenticeship has been invaluable. Receiving mentorship from them for the second time has provided me with a sense of comfort and reassurance that they will offer the necessary support and guidance for me to excel in my apprenticeship. Every colleague at VQ whom I've interacted with has been friendly and supportive, which is truly beneficial, especially as being an apprentice can be daunting when working alongside exceptional professionals.
In a usual week, I spend four days working with my team on project support and dedicate one day to focusing on my qualifications through workshops, coursework, and tutorial videos. This blend of activities keeps me motivated and driven to achieve excellent results.
Based on my experience with apprenticeships, I highly recommend them. This is my second time participating in one with VQ's support, which underscores its value. Apprenticeships provide practical experience and insight into the decision-making process behind the campaigns and projects you are involved in.
I am so happy I didn't crumble at the social pressures that are hard to avoid whilst being at school, and chose to do an apprenticeship as I think it has helped me grow into a more versatile professional and provided me with corporate experience that I couldn't have gained from a university lecture hall.
I recommend anyone second guessing if university is the right option for them to look into apprenticeships and research into companies that are offering them, as if someone had told me in Sixth Form you would be working at Channel 4 at the age of 19, I probably would've laughed!"
VQ Solutions is a UK Government-accredited training provider offering apprenticeships in a range of subjects and levels, from Marketing, Business Admin, and Network Cabling to IT and Human Resources. If you are unsure what your future looks like and would like more information on our exciting range of Apprenticeships, see our website or call us on 01423 740006.
Tassa's account also shows why the employer and training provider matter. A learner needs meaningful work, time for workshops and feedback that connects daily tasks with the apprenticeship standard. Anyone considering a marketing route can review the apprenticeship programmes and speak with the learner support team about the application process.
The story should not be read as a promise that every apprenticeship follows the same pattern. Working hours, study arrangements and responsibilities vary by employer. Ask about the actual role, the training schedule and the support available before applying.
For someone weighing up university, the useful comparison is the day-to-day experience rather than the reputation of either route. A marketing apprenticeship may involve deadlines, client feedback and campaign work alongside workshops and assignments. University may offer a different mix of lectures, seminars, independent study and placements. Both require initiative, but they develop it in different settings.
Applicants can prepare by reading the vacancy carefully, researching the employer and writing down questions about mentoring, training days and progression. The employer guidance explains the partnership expected around an apprenticeship, while the apprenticeship programmes show the range of roles available.
