EARN & LEARN WHY I CHOSE AN APPRENTICESHIP OVER UNIVERSITY?

AMALIA WHITE:

APPRENTICE AT: IDEAL POINT OF SALE

Amalia is a Project Management level 4 apprentice at Ideal Point of Sale. Our Apprenticeship Recruitment Team met with Amalia for an in-depth conversation about her decision to apply for an apprenticeship upon leaving college. Here are some of the highlights from the conversation:

WHAT WAS YOUR CAREER GOAL WHEN YOU WERE AT SCHOOL?

I grew up in the diverse and multicultural cities of Singapore and Malaysia for 15 years. I have always been surrounded by art from all over the globe. I have been passionate about art, and in particular fashion, from the age of seven. My journal from my last day at primary school stated that when I grow up, I want to work in fashion and art, one day building my own business. When I moved on to high school, I developed an interest in the business side of art, as I began selling my own artwork. Today, I am an apprentice at Ideal Point of Sale, a creative agency that specialises in retail campaigns, where I’m surrounded by impressive designs and artwork every day. I love being involved in the management of these projects.

HOW DID APPRENTICESHIPS AT SALFORD CITY COLLEGE SUPPORT YOUR APPLICATION PROCESS?

The Apprenticeships Team at Salford City College did an outstanding job. They provided me with lots of support and all the information I needed to prepare for my first interview.

HOW IS YOUR APPRENTICESHIP GOING, AND WHAT PROJECTS HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN?

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO EXPLORE APPRENTICESHIPS RATHER THAN UNIVERSITY?

I made the decision to explore apprenticeships rather than attend university, as I have always had the urge to enter the working world and gain industry experience as soon as possible.

IPOS Design is very supportive, and I have plenty of study time for my course. I have worked on many varied campaigns throughout my five months at IPOS Design. Clients I have worked with so far include; UGG (Office Campaign Shoot), New Balance (Road Trip Campaign), Skechers (Sticker Campaigns), Herschel Clothing, Mammut, Brompton Bicycles, and Under Armour.

WHAT APPRENTICESHIP ARE YOU UNDERTAKING?

I am an Associate Project Management Apprentice, studying at Salford City College. I am currently the first apprentice to be employed by Ideal Point of Sale (IPOS Design), a creative design agency. I love working for IPOS Design as the whole team has a friendly, highly positive culture.

WE TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO AMALIA’S EMPLOYER ABOUT HER PROGRESS AS AN APPRENTICE:

DO YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION OR GUIDANCE FOR CURRENT COLLEGE STUDENTS CONSIDERING APPRENTICESHIPS?

There is more than one pathway to a successful fulfilling career, but always research the apprenticeship course and the company you’ll be working for and stay committed, stay excellent and always keep the future you envisage in mind.

Amalia has been a vital team member from the moment she started IPOS and has demonstrated maturity and social skills in dealing with her team and clients and suppliers. She is always keen and eager to learn and willing to work hard and take on a variety of tasks day to day. Her conscientious and polite nature (not a given at that age!) has helped her to become a perfect addition to the IPOS team. I love how she just asks when she needs to know something but always tries to figure it out on her own first. I also find her really inspiring, she does so many other creative things outside of work, she has a real drive which is amazing.

Amalia is ahead of her 6 months goals, and we have just put her on a large project for Under Armour where she will be the primary contact and running the project under the supervision of one of our Senior Account Managers. We all believe she will do a great job; we don’t doubt she will be an incredible Project Manager in the future. Aside from the workrelated skills, she has such warmth and kindness and is a total pleasure to spend time with around the office.

WHAT DID YOU STUDY AT COLLEGE?

I attended College in Stockport, where I studied Art & Design A-level, Graphic Design A-level and Musical Performance Level 4 Btec.