My marketing apprenticeship with Brandon Trust has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career so far.
After completing my degree in Graphic Design and Illustration and spending a year freelancing, I came across the opportunity to join Brandon as an apprentice Marketing Assistant. It felt like the perfect next step and a fantastic chance to develop my marketing skills while contributing to a charity that makes such a meaningful impact to the lives of autistic people and people with learning disabilities.
Why did I choose a Brandon Trust apprenticeship?
I chose this apprenticeship because I wanted to learn more about marketing in a practical way, surrounded by experienced professionals. The idea of doing that within a charity that promotes independence, co-production, and inclusion, really resonated with me. Brandon’s mission to enable people to live the lives they choose felt meaningful, and I wanted to be a part of that impact.
A year of learning and experience
Over the past year, I’ve been involved in a wide variety of different projects that have helped me grow in confidence, both creatively and professionally. Some of my highlights include:
- Supporting marketing for our new charity shop in Falmouth
- Designing offline marketing materials, including our Plan B strategy
- Designing new logos and new Brandon values icons
- Collaborating with colleagues across the organisation to share stories and celebrate achievements
- Helping with the filming of Brandon’s impact film, We Can
But the most valuable part of my apprenticeship hasn’t just been the marketing experience, it has been learning about the people we support. I’ve met so many incredible individuals who are living their lives as they choose, working in our social enterprises, and deciding how they want to be supported. Seeing the impact of Brandon’s work had made me incredibly proud to be a part of the charity.
Training, support, and professional development
As part of my Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketing Apprenticeship with Professional Apprenticeships, I attend monthly training sessions alongside apprentices from a variety of businesses all across the UK. These sessions have helped me to build a strong foundation in marketing, with opportunities to share ideas, get feedback, and learn from others on a similar journey.
I also get dedicated time each week to work on my apprenticeship portfolio, which has been especially helpful because the projects I complete for Brandon directly support my learning.
Being part of the Brandon communications team
From my very first day, the communications team supported me in a way that made me feel like a valued member of the team. No question was ever too small and everyone took the time to walk me through processes, tools, and best practices. Having a team that genuinely wants you to succeed, and supports you every step of the way makes such a difference, especially when balancing work responsibilities with apprenticeship deadlines.
Their support has helped me grow not only as a marketer but also as a person. I have gained confidence, new skills, and a clear sense of direction for my future career.
Looking Ahead
I am incredibly proud of everything I’ve achieved so far in my apprenticeship with Brandon. This experience has strengthened my passion for marketing and supporting Brandon’s mission. I am excited to continue building my skills, taking on new challenges, and contributing to the meaningful work Brandon does everyday.
If you’re thinking about doing an apprenticeship, I would absolutely recommend it. If you have an experience like mine, you’ll never look back.
Ruby Chidley
Marketing Assistant Apprentice
