A young Gateshead woman is powering her way up the career ladder after taking advantage of a popular apprenticeship scheme led by Gateshead College.
Eighteen year-old Carly Toal has been appointed assistant marketing account executive at County Durham creative agency We Are The Works, after completing a Level 3 in Business Administration apprenticeship.
During her two year paid placement at Gateshead College, which she started after leaving Hebburn Comprehensive school at 16, Carly developed her administration skills as well as gaining valuable marketing experience.
The role gave Carly the chance to develop her skills, including writing marketing materials, updating the website, organising events and writing press releases. Carly also supported her colleagues and worked alongside a team of industry professionals throughout the apprenticeship.
Carly, 18, said; “The experience I gained from my apprenticeship ensured I was fully prepared for employment.
“I was so happy to get a full time job so quickly, starting my new job the day after I finished college.
“Getting hands-on practical experience, whilst learning gives you a lot of great advantages, confidence, experience and it shows potential employers how capable you are of thriving in a working environment.
“I learnt how to work in a demanding fast-paced, real environment with deadlines and tasks in a team with a range of expertise and experience within the marketing industry, which was great as I could learn from my colleagues too.”
Carly combined work experience with classroom studies at Gateshead College on a regular basis before gaining her Business Administration qualification.
Ian Oswold, Director at We Are The Works said; “Carly impressed us from the interview stage as she was able to talk about the industry with great confidence and knowledge.
She’s clearly a very capable youngster, equipped with the experience and skills needed to comfortably fit into a professional role.
“We also felt that Carly’s experience within a marketing role stood out over other potential candidates with university qualifications.”
Nadine Hudspeth, director of marketing and communications at Gateshead College said; “Carly was an excellent member of the team during her apprenticeship and she is a prime example of how successful apprenticeships schemes are for those looking to get into employment.
“At Gateshead College we deliver a wide range of vocational training that gives people the qualifications and skills required by employers.”