Ellie Dawes undertook a Content Creator Level 3 Apprenticeship with Falmouth Exeter Plus, to gain experience working in the filming and media industry.
What is your role within your organisation?
I am a Junior Content Producer. I create social media accounts and create posts for those accounts. I also support the running of creative workshops across the country. These provide me with lots of content.
What department/team do you work with?
I am currently part of a team working on a research project – ATTUNE – exploring young people’s mental health.
What is the purpose of your role and how does it assist with the business’s mission?
The purpose of my role is to create content for the different social media channels. This is important as it helps ATTUNE reach as wide an audience as possible.
In which elements of your apprenticeship do you feel you have learnt the most?
The working element really taught me what it was like having a full time job within media, and how challenging this can be. I learnt a lot from the people I worked with and was able to gain experience in filming and editing content which was probably the best part for me.
What have you gained from the apprenticeship?
I have met lots of people who work within film and media during my time on the apprenticeship. This has given me chance to make links in the industry and learn from their experience.
“The apprenticeship made me want to learn more about film and follow that as my career.”
Would you recommend apprenticeships? If so, why?
Yes. Because it’s a good opportunity to see whether you enjoy the industry and the type of work you would be doing within that industry. It’s also a good way of learning without having to pay off a fee like with university.
Do you have any standout moments/ achievements you would like to share?
When I led an event for the YPC young people and two of the Leeds team members. It was the first month I started and was in charge of organising an event on my own as my manager was on leave. I had to look after and make sure a group of young people aged 11-15 years, were cared for throughout the day and got home safely.
Any personal wins?
This event was a tough week, but I am glad I did it as I learnt a lot from it and was good experience, something I can mention in future job applications and interviews.
If you could give one piece of advice to anyone thinking about apprenticeships, what would it be?
Do your research beforehand so you know what to expect.
If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice before embarking on your apprenticeship journey what would it be?
I would be more confident in my ability and my skills and I would believe in myself more.
Why did you choose this particular apprenticeship?
I wanted an apprenticeship that would give me experience of filming and the wider media industry. Working with Attune has given me that.
What were your initial thoughts and expectations?
I thought it would help me make a decision on whether I wanted to pursue a career within the media or film industry and it has helped me come to my conclusion.
“Do your research beforehand so you know what to expect.”
What are your plans post-apprenticeship?
I am going to university to study film.
Has this apprenticeship helped you on your career path?
Yes! I really enjoyed working in the industry and the apprenticeship made me want to learn more about film and follow that as my career.
What progression routes are available?
Further study at HE level or a career in the marketing and/or media industries.
