Apprenticeships are often associated with young people or work placements. While they are these things, there are other stories like Jamie’s that also show the value of work-based learning across Pembrokeshire and beyond.

Jamie King started his Digital Marketing Level 3 apprenticeship in the summer of 2023. As a self-employed digital marketing professional, he was initially apprehensive about committing time to a qualification.

Without a team of colleagues or managers, Jamie is entirely responsible for his workload, delivering marketing services to clients across Pembrokeshire and beyond. He expressed concerns about how this would fit around his already busy schedule, but he also had clarity about his future aspirations. In the digital era, where technology and social media are developing rapidly, Jamie expressed that he wanted to further his CV and expand his marketing services. He knew that a Digital Marketing qualification would allow him to do this.

When Jamie initially started his QCF, he was surprised at the flexibility and how this aligned with his work. Meetings with his assessor happened remotely and in person, with funding provided for boardroom hire close to Jamie’s home. Jamie quickly gathered evidence for his QCF portfolio including work for clients, and his PDF design service which has been highly commended by businesses across the UK. By completing assignments around social media advertising and promotion for businesses, Jamie began to look at new ways of working with clients offering services that he had not considered before.

When the time came to complete his Essential Skills qualifications, Jamie attended PRP’s training centre in Pembroke Dock. He enjoyed meeting with other Digital Marketing learners, and said that working in a group was enriching when much of his work is typically completed remotely. Jamie quickly achieved all three Essential Skills qualifications and before Christmas 2024 had already set a plan to complete his remaining QCF units.

Jamie is now due to finish his QCF in May this year and has described his work-based learning journey as a story of self-belief and empowerment. He said:

“Knowing you are competent at doing something (in my case, marketing), without formal credibility or internal praise from an employer can leave room for self-doubt. This qualification overcomes that by building upon confidence with each assessment completed. My clients have supported and appreciated my personal development. It has allowed me to open new conversations about what digital marketing support they need.

Claire Thomas - Meithrinfa Teifi Tots Nursery - said:

"I've worked with Jamie since opening my nursery 11 years ago. He has been an absolute pleasure to work with. The website gets updated regularly with no hassles and he's always keen to help if any issues arise. He’s very professional and very easy to work with.”

Jamie's story is a clear example of how apprenticeships work for learners across a wide range of circumstances. In Jamie’s own words, work-based learning is a clear solution for many with busy working lives:

Jamie added:

“Work-based learning is so important, as for those who are self-employed, or employed, finding time or days off to sit a formal education isn't viable. It provides the opportunity to attain formal qualifications while working in your everyday role.”

PRP say they are proud to work with Jamie and all of their learners in the wider community.

For more information about work-based apprenticeship qualifications in Business Skills routes including Digital Marketing, IT, Learning and Development and Management, contact [email protected] .