Hey, I’m Char, the marketing apprentice at Morton Waters.
I’d like to start by saying that my journey as an apprentice has been amazing. I’ve learnt so much in the last year and a half, and if you’re looking to get your foot in the door while being allowed the time to learn and grow, I couldn’t recommend an apprenticeship enough.
What lies ahead
With no experience working in an office, I joined the team not knowing exactly what to expect. Now, as my time here is coming to a close, I am filled with gratitude and excitement for my future in Marketing.
My time at Morton Waters has been transformative, not just professionally but personally as well. I have picked up many skills, gained confidence in myself and in my work, and met mentors who have shaped me and allowed me to grow in my role.
Thinking about what lies ahead, I am extremely excited to say that I will be travelling to Australia next year for six months, with potential job opportunities out there. This has always been a dream of mine and with my experience working in digital marketing for Morton Waters, it’s now coming true.
Stepping into the marketing world
When I first started working for Morton Waters – a B2B agency specialising in supporting clients operating in the built environment – I was in for a surprise. I wasn’t sure how much I’d enjoy working in such a niche area.
I remember my first writing task was about FORS Accreditations, and I initially thought, “Could this be more boring?!”
But, as I dug into the topic, my perspective shifted dramatically. I became deeply invested in the subject and found myself looking out for the Accreditations on the back of trucks as I drove to work.
I’ve learnt that every role, every company, has a story worth telling and an essential part to play in keeping our society functioning. Be it civil engineering, building homes or the intricate logistics of a cleaning company.
Behind the scenes, there’s a complex, fascinating system that makes an agency work too. Understanding these systems became my passion, which eventually led me to appreciate the intricacies of marketing even more.
Challenges I faced
I must admit, communication was initially a bit of a hurdle. Having never worked in an office before, I had to learn how to ask questions, how to validate information, and most importantly, how to work as part of a team.
However, my biggest challenge was time management. The struggle to balance apprenticeship work with the demands of the job was real. But as time passed, I learned how to manage my time more effectively. I learnt how to prioritise tasks and adapt when circumstances changed.
This skill has been crucial to my growth and is something that I’ll be taking forward in my career.
Throughout my journey, I’ve had the good fortune to have mentors who’ve guided me and helped me grow. Steven was always there to help, always willing to share his wisdom, and never made me feel silly for asking a question.
Then there’s Peter and Cat, who both played a pivotal role in building my confidence. They pushed me to work more independently and let me speak in client meetings. Their constructive criticism and encouragement helped me believe in myself and grow more confident.
Some friendly advice
To the next apprentice who steps into my shoes, don’t be afraid to ask questions, embrace challenges, and learn as much as you can.
This job isn’t just about marketing, it’s about understanding systems, working in a team, managing your time effectively, and growing professionally. Don’t forget to enjoy the journey, and be excited about where it could lead you.
Thank you to the team at Morton Waters for welcoming me in and guiding me.
All the best, Char.