Hello, my name is Jack Fish and I’m one of the new Workplace Degree Apprentices here at Applegate Marketplace. Prior to the programme I was studying a BTEC Extended Diploma in Business at Petroc College. My first interactions with the company came when I found out about an academy scheme they did with Petroc which led me to looking deeper into Applegate to which I found out about the Apprenticeship programme they offer.
This discovery was very exciting to me as I have always felt pressured into going down the university route, both my parents went, therefore I felt obliged to follow suit. I leapt at the opportunity and I am very happy I did. At the end of the day, spending thousands upon thousands of pounds on university fees didn’t seem that enticing and for what reward? Going straight into a graduate job where all the years of theory work goes out the window and real life hits you in the face, no thank you. The Apprentice route is definitely the way forward when it comes to building a solid foundation to a promising career in business, gaining valuable experience in a real workplace. As a bonus my degree is paid for, I’ll be studying a Higher Apprenticeship in Leadership and Management and along the way gaining 5 years invaluable work experience and 2 management qualifications.
The role I have been given at the company is Account Executive, the basic overview of this role is to look after client’s accounts making sure they are happy with their account, all data is accurate and that it’s running effectively. I also have to help clients with any enquires they have and making sure they are satisfied. It has given me lots of confidence that the company trusts me to fulfil this important role and Applegate have always stressed that we are valuable employees instead of the stereotypical apprentice.