Course Overview
To be a designer in today’s exciting, evolving industries, you will need to create eye catching and meaningful digital content that works across many platforms. On this apprenticeship you will learn to apply your design and creative skills to engage an audience following the aims and objectives of a client’s brief. Your workplace may be a creative company such as an Advertising Agency or Graphic Designers, or equally you may have a creative role within a non-creative company, for example designing their website and social media content inhouse for promotion and audience engagement. During your apprenticeship you could find yourself creating digital content for print, websites, social media, blogs, advertising, marketing, or even broadcasting. The apprenticeship will typically last 18 months.
What will I learn?
Your employer will provide you with training to meet their specific job requirements. This may include training in the required digital software. You will also absorb key skills to boost your employability, such as time management, working collaboratively and responding to feedback. You will be assigned a coach/assessor from Wiltshire College & University Centre who will set you four college assignments over 12 months to learn key skills, behaviours, and knowledge for digital content production, from planning through to delivery. Industry awareness is a key feature of the course and you will be helped to create a strong portfolio and professional networks in the digital and creative industries to aid future employment prospects. You will also learn and reflect on how to work safely under commercial pressures.
You might progress within the same company to a more senior role on completion. Alternatively, you might use your portfolio to progress to another role within the creative or digital industries. You could progress to a level 4 or above apprenticeship, or a Further or Higher Education course, full time, or part time to run alongside your work.
Study, Assessment and Qualifications
On-Programme Phase: (First 12-15 months)
-Four days a week at work.
-One day a week in learning and training. Regular progress reviews, online college assignment delivery (no requirement to travel to college) and workplace visits from your College coach/assessor.
Gateway: (12-15 months)
-Your College coach/assessor will help you to prepare for your final assessment
End Point Assessment: (15-18months)
-The End Point assessment will take place over one day with an external assessor and consist of:
-Workplace observation 25%
-A set brief test 30%
-Professional discussion 45%
Entry Requirements
-Maths and English GCSE grade C/4 or above. (Alternatively, Functional Skills Level 2 with an assigned College lecturer before completion.)
-A genuine passion for creating, designing, and digital media. An ability to work independently and as part of a team. The ability to build and maintain positive relationships at work and with your clients.
You must have secured a position with an employer and be ready to start working with them before you can begin your apprenticeship course.
If you already have an employer and they have agreed to put you through an apprenticeship, contact the Apprenticeship team and we'll get you started. Email apprenticeships@wiltshire.ac.uk or call 0845 345 2235.
If you don’t have an employer, you can still apply for an apprenticeship directly - check out our latest apprenticeship vacancies here: https://www.wiltshire.ac.uk/information/apprenticeship-faqs/apprenticeship-vacancies
Additional Costs and Information
As an apprentice, you will be employed under contract with the same rights and responsibilities as any other employee. You will be paid at least the minimum apprenticeship wage for your age. In return you will be mindful of your responsibilities such as timeliness, good communication and a willingness to work hard and learn.
