Conor Kirk - LeftLion Marketing Apprentice
APPLY FOR THE 2015 MARKETING APPRENTICESHIP
Name: Conor Aiden Joseph Kirk
Age: 19
Area you live in: Bestwood Park
Schools and colleges: Bigwood School and Bilborough College
What were you up to before your apprenticeship with LeftLion?
I had just finished Bilborough College with three A levels. After finding out I was unable to do a level 4 apprenticeship due to my results not meeting requirements, I was unemployed and working with my dad in the home and gardening business he runs as a sole trader a couple of days a week. I found the LeftLion apprenticeship listing via the Nottingham City Council website.
What have been the highlights of the last year working for LeftLion?
Being part of so many different projects has in itself been a highlight. Creating our reader survey, helping out with the Kickstarter project and generally taking part in lots of different tasks has been a factor of the apprenticeship that I’ve really enjoyed. Creating and building on skills while enjoying myself has been the key highlight.
What things are you most proud of during the year?
When me and Nicola made our first sale to FHP. It was a great moment as me and Nicola were still getting to know each other and we worked well as a duo to create our first sale, bringing in money from selling a varied range of products.
What are the hardest bits?
There aren’t many hard bits when working for LeftLion. Sometimes it’s hard to focus in the office when sharing with other creative businesses and with so many things going off, but that’s minor.
How would you describe the rest of the LeftLion team?
The LeftLion team are like a big extended family. During my time, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many members of the team and each person shows high amounts of passion and pride for the magazine and the work they’re putting in. Although the culture is very relaxed, when tasks need to be completed they’re finished effectively and everyone pulls together.
Would you recommend this apprenticeship to others?
Definitely! Working for LeftLion allows you to see how each part of a business functions as you work doing many different tasks. It’s also a great opportunity to progress your own personal skills like being effective with communication in a team and discover more about working in the journalism and publishing industries. The job itself is very flexible too.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
After I’ve finished my apprenticeship with LeftLion, I’ll be working for Boots at their head offices doing a level 4 foundation degree, so hopefully I’ll have progressed further with Boots and have a foundation degree in ICT on my CV. I hope to be an asset to any business I’m working in.
Anything else you want to say?
I’d like to say thank you to the team for giving me this opportunity and for helping me develop myself overall as a person.
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