Young Apprentice of the Year Award

Abbigail, 15, chanced upon her future career thanks to completing her Young Apprenticeship in Arts and Design at Tyne Metropolitan College. ‘I thoroughly enjoyed all my placements, particularly with graphic designers Bgroup. My Apprenticeship has been inspirational, and helped me decide on a career in advertising.’

Abbigail started her Young Apprenticeship in August 2005 with a placement at Blueprint Interior, before joining a freelancer photographer, Liz King, for a short period, and finally working with high profile advertising agency, the Bgroup. 
 
The programme provided Abbigail with a fantastic opportunity to get an insight into arts and design, and in particular, the advertising field. Her experience has increased her confidence and taught her how to work independently: ‘My Apprenticeship helped me improve my professional skills, which helped me succeed in my BTEC First Diploma and GCSE Art.’

The Young Apprenticeship programme has meant a lot to Abbigail: ‘Completing the whole programme, on top of my other studies and interests, has been a great achievement. Through my work with Bgroup I have made my first step into the advertising industry. I was involved with producing a logo for a new jewellery shop and this practical experience will really help boost my career.’

Peter McKenna, Tyne Metropolitan College, says: ‘Abbi has made a positive and demonstrable impact on all the employers and staff she has worked with. She has supported fellow students and would be an outstanding ambassador for the Young Apprenticeship programme.’

Abbigail is currently working towards an equivalent of 14 GCSEs, including her BTEC First Diploma, and has plans to undertake further art courses and map a career in advertising.

Abbigail is a finalist in the Young Apprentice of the Year category in the national Apprenticeship Awards 2007.