The Apprentice Diaries: Grace’s Fifth Month

Part Five: Our apprentice, Grace, continues her account of what it’s like learning on the job at MYC… Read parts one, two, three and four.

From film and animation to fiction and illustration, I’ve always been a big fan of the arts. Being surrounded by film gurus and novel enthusiasts, Making You Content is a home away from home where I can really immerse myself in conversations.

It’s been nearly six months since I started at MYC, and it’s true what they say: time really does fly when you’re having fun. If my previous places of employment have taught me anything, it’s that the team really does make the job.

Loving the work you do and the people you’re with is rare, but I’ve always considered myself to be quite lucky. Read on to find out why I adore my role at MYC…

Exploring design techniques

I’m very fortunate to be in a company that allows me the freedom to flex my creative skills and improve my design work. During my research, I came across isometric designs, which can look really interesting when done right. It’s a technique used by a lot of tech companies (a sector we do a lot of work for), so I thought it could become a useful skill if I taught myself through online tutorials.

Experimenting with my work, and finding new approaches through YouTube and other platforms, really helps me get to grips with how to create intriguing and engaging designs. I’m trying to teach myself at least one design technique a month for the benefit of MYC and to build up a bank of work I’ve made.

An introduction to coding

I’ve recently finished my classrooms for coding too. In my last diary, I explained that I was fairly nervous about this topic. I didn’t really understand it at first, but after some practice and guidance from my tutors, I’m starting to get to grips with it.

My original thought was that coding wasn’t for me, but when it came to creating websites, I thoroughly enjoyed figuring out how to develop a fully functioning page that also looks aesthetically pleasing. Coding is very much like problem solving, but you also need to be quite creative in order to make a site that works and looks distinctive.

Knuckling down

Now that the coding classrooms are over and done with, the related exam is looming and I’ve had to get my revision head on. Creating cue cards and posters takes me back to school, but these methods are notorious for a reason! Next on the agenda? The Google Analytics classrooms.

With just over six months to go before I complete my apprenticeship, I’m now starting to pull together my portfolio, which I’ll present to and discuss with an invigilator in May. Writing about the work I’ve done can be tricky, but I’m getting through it – slowly but surely!

Apprentice ambassador training

Off the back of my progress to date, I was recently nominated to become an Apprentice Ambassador by Apprentify. It was quite a surprise, but I was more than happy to represent them!

To become an ambassador, I had to attend a training day at Manchester Metropolitan University, my old university. I enjoyed talking to other apprentices and finding out about their journeys, as well as sharing my own story.

Last week our Grace became a certified @SeeDifferentHub ambassador!

She’ll be representing MYC and @ApprentifyUK and educating young people on the value of going down the apprenticeship route.

We couldn’t be prouder! pic.twitter.com/1SKfb2ezSz

— Making You Content (@makeyoucontent) 26 November 2019

I’ve now been fully trained to give presentations at events across Greater Manchester. My first panel discussion will be at Old Trafford later in January which I’m thoroughly excited for.

There’s still a lot of stigma around apprenticeships at the moment, and young people aren’t getting the right information about which careers you can enter through apprenticeships. I’m hoping to help change this through the Apprentice Ambassador programme.

Six months has flown by, but I’ve enjoyed every minute. As I reach the exact halfway mark of my apprenticeship at MYC, I’m looking forward to what 2020 holds – which I think will be another jam-packed year for the team and me!