As a kinesthetic learner I never fully adapted to the education system, which in my experience, was better suited to auditory, reading and writing learners. Due to being so keen on learning new things, this always raised questions. “Why haven’t you done this”; “Why haven’t you done that”; and my particular favourite, “You have it in you to do it, just do it”; quite possibly the most uninspiring sentence to ever be said.
Having performed at an average level throughout school and GCSEs, I came to a point where I had to make a decision. Do I stay on and complete sixth form? Do I go to college or do I look into apprenticeships? Having had such lack of support and insight into my options, I decided to go to sixth form.
“Towards the end of Year 12, I realised that I really didn’t have any direction”
Going to sixth form was by far the right decision to make. It gave me time to think about where I go next. Towards the end of Year 12, I realised that I really didn’t have any direction. It was at this point I knew I had to do something.
From day one, as mentioned, I knew college was not a path I wanted to take. University had also never interested me. I just wanted to work and make money.
I soon began looking into apprenticeships. Without fully knowing what was involved within Marketing, I applied for a job as a Marketing Apprentice at CXK. I knew to some extent Marketing involved the use of computers, good English and creativity, which ticked some imaginary boxes.
Fortunately for me, I received an invitation to an interview for this job, which at the time was the only job I had applied for. And so, I attended the interview and was successful in receiving an offer for the job, which I gratefully accepted.
“I started working for CXK as a Marketing Apprentice”
So I started working for CXK in September 2015, as a Marketing Apprentice. During the next two years I completed an NVQ and gained invaluable skills and experience. This involved anything from writing letters, to generating and managing content on the company website. I assisted with event management and coordination. I was even put in charge of managing the company social media channels.
Once I completed my qualification, this allowed me to progress into a full-time permanent digital marketing assistant role, which I have held for over a year now. Gaining such a high level of experience at such an early age has allowed me to explore wider options for the future ahead, and my next aim is to achieve the job title of Marketing Executive.
To this day, making the leap and facing the transition from school to work has been one of the best decisions I have made, and will ever make. My apprenticeship has taught me so many life lessons I never thought I’d comprehend at such an early age in my career, and the experience and skills I have learned are priceless.
“Choosing to follow a vocational skill is an incredibly positive path to take”
Choosing to follow a vocational skill is an incredibly positive path to take, it has allowed me to start my career at such an early age, and gather at least 4 years’ experience, before most people my age have completed university.
My advice to you is, if you don’t know what to do next, if you don’t know where to go or where to be, then without a doubt explore a vocational skill. What’s the worst that can happen? At the end of it, you discover it isn’t what you want to do, then explore something else. Life is all about lessons, just don’t be afraid to take the step, you never know what you might learn.
At CXK we’re proud to provide training courses, development programmes and emotional support, advice and guidance which help young people to develop the skills and confidence to take their next steps in life.
Whether you’re looking for careers advice, want to develop your confidence, are looking to improve your Maths and English skills, or aren’t in education or employment and unsure what to do next; our services can provide you with the essential skills and confidence you need to ensure you’re in the best position to move forwards. For further details on the services we offer, visit our Services page.
