Annabel, Digital Marketing Apprentice, Wirehive

After finishing my Master’s in English Literature, I started working at a pizza restaurant to give me some financial security. But when the first lockdown struck, I joined the thousands of people who were made redundant.

It was a very stressful time and I spent some worrying months frantically applying for anything and everything. But in the back of my mind, I knew I wanted to go into marketing so when Working Knowledge posted a digital marketing apprenticeship job opening, I was determined to go for it.

Until that moment, I had never considered an apprenticeship. I had always thought it was for more vocational careers and my school had only really pushed the idea of work or university. I didn’t realise there was actually another path to my chosen career.

So here I am now – one month into paid employment with Wirehive and learning with Working Knowledge at the same time! I’m really looking forward to getting to grips with the marketing strategies and putting my linguistic skills to good use.

With unemployment rising, I know it’s especially tough for young people trying to get on the career ladder – I’m one of the lucky ones and feel so grateful for the opportunity.

In a strange way, I now feel grateful for my redundancy. Without that forced leap into uncertainty, I wouldn’t be where I am now. I’ve moved from serving pizzas all day long to being a professional digital marketer with hopefully a bright career ahead.