My name is Megan Downes and I currently work at Terence Paul on an advanced Apprenticeship scheme studying Social Media and Digital Marketing .With it recently being National Apprenticeship week I wanted to talk about my career and the many apprenticeships that are available for people to get involved with. There are many more options out there for people, and I want to make people that were like me aware of this.
There are over 400 different types of apprenticeships, So whether you’re hankering after a career in business, sport, marketing, fashion or construction, there’s something for everyone .My job role teaches me new things every day and I find the potential to have an amazing career. I'm learning all about digital marketing, social media, traditional advertising, promotions, events, and campaigns. My successes included creating successful social media channels, the growth and following in all our channels and online advertising campaigns that generated enormous media buzz.
Majority of people follow the rule of you must go to university if you want to be successful and have an amazing career and I want that to change. I went to University of Central Lancashire after finishing college studying Criminal Investigation and Policing realizing in my first year into my degree the course it wasn’t for me, I had to make the brave decision to leave university so I could decide what career I wanted to do for the rest of my life. It was a very daunting choice choosing to leave as I didn’t want people to be disappointed in me and think I had failed. For me it was important I felt happy in my chosen career as I wanted to spend my life working in something I enjoyed, that’s when I start properly looking into apprenticeships and what was available.Although apprenticeships may not be suited to those who want to become a doctor or a lawyer, there are so many more I didn’t realize was out there. Apprenticeships give you hands-on training and give you real chance to put your skills into practice. Being in an apprenticeship helps you to gain more confidence in a working environment. No student loans, no tuition fees, and no debt.
Working full time at Terence Paul I manage all the social media channels, also helping prepare events coming up and making sure the team and students get engaged by promoting their work via social media. I am trained by a professional once a week, whilst being constantly assessed via exams and content I'm posting. I create and educate on the development of social media strategies and have been taught strong and demonstrable knowledge of the latest digital marketing techniques and practices. Being in the media industry is so exciting; it’s forever changing and its interesting learning new techniques and tips for my work place. Being an apprentice I think it’s great I am learning and earning. Apprenticeships are structured training programmes which give you a chance to work towards a qualification. The business and course you choose help you gain the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your chosen industry.
My main focus is ensuring the brand is leading and innovating within the digital space, guaranteeing that Terence Paul is where the consumers are. Social networking websites allow individuals and businesses to interact with one another and build relationships and communities online. When companies join these social channels, consumers can interact with them directly. That interaction can be more personal to users than traditional methods of outbound marketing and advertising. I enjoy keeping up with the latest changes and news in the digital world so I can implement it the business, I'm up to date with the latest fashion trends and celebrity culture as working within the beauty industry its key for our customers to be updated.
Terence Paul are a 5* successful hairdressing salon chain based round the North West located in Hale, Didsbury, Knutsford, Bramhall, Wilmslow and Manchester with also three training schools in Manchester, Stockport and Heald green. The team are an energetic, fashion forward, fun-loving group of people united in their vision of the future of hairdressing. Terence Paul as a company are fantastic to work for, they support me on my course and help me build on my knowledge every day. At Terence Paul there is a real family feel to the business and I get looked after so well and enjoy coming to work.
Terence Tierney, MD of Terence Paul says “Investing in apprentices is not just investing in their future but an investment in the future of your business.” He believes apprentice’s education is the key to success. Education has been paramount to the success of Terence Paul Hairdressing and has impacted on their philosophy throughout the company. The directors of Terence Paul Hairdressing are constantly looking at ways of improving standards within the industry through on-going staff training.
I will be documenting all about the benefits and hacks of Digital Marketing so get in stay in touch.
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Megan
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