A little about Wesley’s apprenticeship…
Apprenticeship Title
Level 3 Digital Marketing
Job title and employer
Senior PPC Manager at PlayOJO
What are 3 skills you’ve learned so far?
Proactivity
Time Management
Corporate communication
What are 3 interests outside of work?
Video Games (Hardcore Nintendo fanboy)
WWE (A new interest. If Netflix will increase my subscription to add WWE, you best know I'm tuning in)
Football (I am, sadly, a Man United Fan)
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What inspired you to choose the apprenticeship route?
Initially, I was preparing to apply for university because it felt like the expected path, and what all my peers were doing. Deep down, however, I was eager to get stuck into the world of work and start my career without attending university first.
The real turning point was when a friend of mine left school in Year 12 to start an apprenticeship with Barclays. Seeing them take that step opened my eyes to a different route. It inspired me to seriously explore apprenticeships as a practical and exciting alternative to the traditional university path.
Can you remember a moment when you felt trusted with real responsibility? What did that involve?
A moment where I felt the weight of true responsibility was when I was asked to mentor new people joining the business. Although launching my first marketing campaign was a significant milestone, the responsibility felt more profound when it involved people's development.
This role involved becoming the go-to person for many aspects of onboarding, and I eventually started leading training sessions on key business processes. Being entrusted with sharing knowledge and guiding new colleagues, and being accountable for their integration into the team, was the moment I felt a real sense of responsibility.
What stands out as the most rewarding part of your apprenticeship experience?
For me, the most rewarding part of my apprenticeship has been the positive influence my journey has had on the people around me, especially in changing their perceptions of career paths.
It started just a few months into my programme. I began to hear family members and friends using me as a positive example, saying things to younger people like, "Why don't you ask Wesley about apprenticeships?". It was incredible to realise that my choice was already being seen as a valid and successful path.
Now that I've finished, that sentiment has grown. Hearing people say, "Wesley didn't go to university, yet look where his apprenticeship has got him," is incredibly fulfilling.
"Knowing that my career path has not only benefited me but has also served as a tangible example for others is, without a doubt, the most rewarding aspect of the entire experience."
What challenges did you face during your apprenticeship, and how did you grow from them?
I faced a few key challenges during my apprenticeship, all of which became valuable learning experiences.
Initially, there was the adjustment to the corporate world, which I navigated by leaning on my manager and mentors for guidance. On a more technical level, I realised my Excel skills needed improvement beyond the basics, so I proactively sought extra training to fill that gap.
Finally, balancing my coursework with my job was a constant challenge in my first 3 - 6 months. I managed this through clear communication with my manager and by staying connected with my learning coach and fellow apprentices. Overcoming these hurdles was crucial in developing the adaptability, proactivity, and time management skills I rely on today.
What moment made you realise you’d made the right decision choosing an apprenticeship?
To be honest, this moment happened quite early on for me. Joining Mindshare, part of the GroupM network of agencies, I quickly saw what an appealing company it was. Although it wasn't a household name like Channel 4 or Nike, I soon discovered the appeal of an agency of its size.
At 18, it was eye-opening to see people who had gone the traditional university route, often having to complete an internship and fight through a competitive interview process, all to do the job I was already doing. Sure, they had a degree, but my experience had already given me the edge.
Seeing others take the Uni route into digital marketing the first time was interesting, but when I saw it for the tenth time during my apprenticeship, I knew I'd picked the right path for me. As I was always someone who wanted to get stuck into work, and would have seen time spent at Uni, as time I could have spent investing in my career.
Can you tell us about what life at work has been like since you finished your apprenticeship?
Life at work since finishing my apprenticeship has been a fantastic period of growth and increased responsibility. The transition felt natural but significant; I moved from learning and supporting across various areas to taking full ownership of major projects.
This progression led directly to my current role as a Senior PPC Manager at PlayOJO, where I now lead the marketing strategy for Google, Microsoft, and Apple platforms across several key markets. The level of trust and autonomy I'm given is a direct result of the foundation I built during my training.
My apprenticeship was undeniably the perfect launchpad for this. It gave me a broad introduction to all sides of digital marketing, from email and social to e-commerce. I was then given the freedom—the "keys to the car," so to speak—to specialise in the area I was most passionate about, which for me was paid search marketing.
"This experience didn't just prepare me for a job; it empowered me to build a career."
Connect with Wesley!
Here at Visionpath, our Ambassador Community is more than just a network, it’s a movement. Our ambassadors are current and former apprentices who are passionate about making a difference by sharing their real-life journeys to inspire the next generation.
Are you a current or former apprentice who wants to get involved in the movement? Email ambassadors@visionpath.co.uk to get started.
