Dentsu's Partnership With Apprentify

How did you find out about Dentsu and Apprentify?

So, I entered a competition run by Dentsu called The Code. It encourages young people to get into the media industry. I submitted a creative marketing campaign during lockdown and somehow ended up winning it. Off the back of that I got some work experience and stayed in touch with the company and then was offered an apprenticeship soon after.

What are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship?

The apprenticeship has been so valuable to me in so many ways. One aspect I love that I can earn and learn at the same time. Undoubtedly, time management is a huge life skill I have learnt from doing both a full-time job and apprenticeship. I have gained so much knowledge about the media industry that I can apply to my role, and I will get a valuable qualification that will help with career progression.

There are lots of elements to my apprenticeship. We have eLearning where I complete tasks independently online. I have classroom sessions virtually and the portfolio elements where I collate the work I’ve done. We have other tasks to complete such as time management, self-study logs and personal development plans.

Both university degrees and apprenticeships have benefits, and it depends on the industry you want to progress in. My apprenticeship will help wherever my career takes me, but certainly it has been invaluable for the media industry. For me, it’s all about getting involved! I thrive in creative environments where I can have hands-on experience and that is exactly what this route has given me.

I also really like how my apprenticeship is structured and I really get along with my Apprentify training coach. I think it is helpful to have monthly sessions with him to see my progress. I like to have those training days every month and socialise (professionally) with like-minded people.

What does Dentsu get from your learning and development?

Having an apprentice on the team has benefitted Dentsu. Although there is a lot of stuff that they already know, I am learning a lot of new things about current markets that have been introduced in the last couple of years. My team are so supportive, and they allow me to present that I am learning back to them in weekly meetings. I am getting a lot of knowledge from being involved in those team tasks.

What advice would you give to others?

Don’t believe the stigma attached to apprenticeships! I have always been one to do what is right for me and not go with the grain. I respect that university is a route for many people and necessary for some career paths but in my heart, I knew I needed hands-on experience, and if I could get a qualification that would be the best of both worlds. Go with what you know is best for you!

Charlie Larrier, Client Coordinator for Dentsu Creative Experiential Capability and Media and Advertising apprentice,

How did you come across Apprentify? 

I was studying a completely different subject at university, but I did a module on marketing and really fell in love with it. When I finished my degree, I looked at some potential jobs, but I struggled to see myself in the roles. I took a step back and decided that I wanted to take marketing seriously, so I did some independent learning at home through LinkedIn, and it was there that I found the opportunity to work for Merkle via an apprenticeship with Apprentify. I remember the person I spoke with at Apprentify said it was an unmissable opportunity, and they didn’t need to tell me twice. I went for it, and the rest is history.  

What are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship? 

I don’t think there is anything better than being paid to learn. Being around like-minded people in the same position in their lives and all deciding to take that leap of faith was amazing. There are so many benefits to the job including flexibility and hybrid working, and being able to learn and develop the skills I need in the role I am in means I stay on top of the things I need to know to get ahead in the industry. 

The training provided by Apprentify really supplemented my independent learning and solidified my knowledge in a way that allowed me to perform the role I do now. Alongside Dentsu training, it all came together to make me feel completely capable. 

How has this route shaped you personally and professionally? 

For me, coming from a low-income first-generation background, I didn’t really have anyone to look to in the professional sense. I didn’t have anyone with experience in this industry, but Apprentify gave me the steppingstone to be able to demystify an industry that was a complete unknown and break it down to show how achievable it is. 

I was actually promoted during my apprenticeship, which I didn’t think would be possible. All in all, it has made me more outgoing, I will volunteer for challenging work and an appetite to grab anything I can. Also having my apprenticeship portfolio alongside client work highlights my time management skills, which are essential in agency setups. 

Would you recommend apprenticeships to others? 

My apprenticeship at Dentsu provided me with opportunities for career advancement. If you are considering it, I would say, just go for it. I truly don’t think there is a better opportunity to be paid to learn and develop yourself. I’ve never felt more supported and if I had any concerns they were immediately addressed.  

I would absolutely recommend it, especially to anyone with a background like my own, but also those who have gone to university. I know apprenticeships carry a stigma, but without it I wouldn’t have the confidence to put myself into the environments I am in now. It really helped to make me feel like I belong.