Forward-thinking, Digital Marketing Agency, whY-us? see their employees grow with a Degree Apprenticeship, as Kelsey Pilkington blossoms in her Marketing Executive role.
WhY-us? Marketing based in Oswaldtwistle supports businesses of all sizes across a wide range of sectors. Over the last 10 years, they have been approved and trusted providers for a variety of funded business support, coaching, mentoring, peer-to-peer and action learning set programmes through The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) funding and local education institutions.
Managing Director Richard Singleton can see the value Degree Apprenticeships can bring to the fast-paced climate of business and marketing. Richard has seen employee Kelsey Pilkington blossom in her role of Marketing Executive through the knowledge gained on the Digital Marketing Degree Apprenticeship with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).
Richard first heard about Degree Apprenticeships through networking and meeting UCLan representatives, the motivation being to aid business growth by adding more resources to his team. It was also motivated by a personal, feel-good factor to enable a student to get real-life experience and support their personal and academic development. Likewise, the Degree Apprenticeship has allowed the business to widen its product portfolio and bring in multiple new clients.
"Kelsey has made a huge difference to the dynamic and attitude. It is fantastic to have another person, with a completely different way of thinking, to challenge the ‘traditional’ way of doing things."
— Richard Singleton, Managing Director, whY-us? Marketing
As a modern, forward-thinking agency, whY-us? Marketing is always looking at ways to stay on-trend and having a diverse workforce aid that. Richard said: “By recruiting a Degree Apprentice, we have a mix of age, gender, culture, education and more.” Richard can also see how valuable Kelsey is to the business. “Kelsey has made a huge difference to the dynamic and attitude. It is fantastic to have another person, with a completely different way of thinking, to challenge the ‘traditional’ way of doing things and add another perspective that sometimes hasn’t even been considered.
As a business owner, I have been able to delegate tasks, without worry, into the capable hands of my apprentice.”
Kelsey also recommends Degree Apprenticeships to anyone considering: “It’s been a great experience, and I would never hesitate to recommend a Degree Apprenticeship to anyone. I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity so thank you to my employer, UCLan, and my classmates for making it so enjoyable.” Kelsey enjoyed her studies so much she is now hoping to continue a master’s in Marketing Management at UCLan Burnley.
For any other employer thinking about taking on a Degree Apprentice, Richard added: “I can highly recommend the DMDA programme to other employers and thank UCLan for their exceptional teaching, support, and structure.”
Richard also welcomed the new Apprenticeship Matching Service: “The new apprenticeship meet and match system for apprentices and employers is a valuable resource that helps businesses find the perfect fit. I wish UCLan and the new initiative continued success."
"It’s been a great experience, and I would never hesitate to recommend a Degree Apprenticeship to anyone. I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity so thank you to my employer, UCLan, and my classmates for making it so enjoyable."
— Kelsey Pilkington, Digital Marketing Degree Apprentice, whY-us? Marketing
