We spoke to The Orchard Theatre’s Jess Bond about her rise from being an Apprentice to becoming the Manager of an Apprentice!

I joined The Orchard Theatre as an apprentice in October 2014 to do my NVQ Level 1 in Digital Marketing, after completing my A Levels. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after school, having decided that University wasn’t the right path for me to take, but being able to do an apprenticeship in marketing opened so many doors for me. It was a great way to learn new skills and start earning money whilst not starting my working life in debt.

My NVQ level 1 was a great introduction to marketing, working in an office and the world of theatre. I enjoyed it so much that after completing my NVQ Level 1, I asked if it was possible to stay on for another year to do my Level 2 NVQ and expand my marketing skills even further.

At the end of my second year, I was lucky enough that a permanent position within the team became available and I was offered the position of Marketing Assistant. I was over the moon that I was able to stay on full time and it really shows that the apprenticeship scheme can open up great opportunities.

Over time, as the team changed and people came and went, I was promoted to Marketing Officer and now, Senior Marketing Officer, where I now am line managing our new apprentice Jenna! It’s such a full circle moment for me and incredibly rewarding to know that I am helping and mentoring someone in their first steps of their marketing career just like I was eight years ago. I can’t praise and recommend apprenticeship schemes enough, they are a great option for young people starting their journey into the world of work.

Jenna said: “This is such a great opportunity, and so far I am really enjoying my time at The Orchard Theatre and learning so many new skills.”