Ever wonder what you'd think if you were just starting your career? Meet Max. He's 16.
by Max Youell
I’ve been an apprentice for 6 months
Doesn’t feel like 6 months, it feels like I’m still on my first days working here. Y’know, there are 262800 minutes in 6 months? I haven’t posted much in the 6 months, but - wow! I’ve done a lot. Ranging from cleaning an old museum back in October, to narrating a video on the Council’s Local Plan.
It has been so interesting, and I’ve met some amazing people - and I’ve still got so much time left! So here come two Top 6 Lists!
6 things I’ve learnt:
Half-terms - aren’t as cool as they used to be. Last week - while my brother and sisters were at home, chilling and all my friends were out shopping - I was at work. Although, is it them, or is it me - who gets paid this week? (Me, it’s me!)
I’ve learnt that it’s not easy at work. Remember, I was straight out of high school, and had never had a job. so, as much as I love it, it’s strange to always log on to the same laptop everyday - but then I wouldn't change it either.
All the skills I’ve learnt. I’ve learnt how to do so much already, and a lot of it is down to my manager Viki, who is so good at what she does - she’s a great manager, and I think we get along really well. The whole team teaches me something new everyday. I’ve learnt loads in the space of 6 months, and hopefully I’ve taught them a thing or two.
Time doesn’t go as slow as it used to. Did you know it’s March? How fast has that gone? At school I used to be wish the day would go faster - and it only got slower, and slower. Now I get in at 9 in the morning, and it seems like when I next look at the clock and it’s 5 o’clock already. Because I’m doing stuff I love on my apprenticeship, time is going fast. Only 293 days till Christmas.
That I’m slowly becoming the ‘voice of Kirklees’. Over the past few months, I’ve done a few animations with my manager and people love them. I have been involved in the making of the local plan video (watch it here), I have been the voice-over of the budget video and I’ve recently been creating the Your Alternative Market recruitment video . These are so much fun to do, and I’ve got another one to do in the next few weeks!
How cool the communications team is. My team is great. Before Christmas we went out for a meal, the other week we went on a mindfulness course, and of course I speak to them around the office. Not only are the team very good at what they do, they are very chilled out, nice people who I can talk to about anything. So whether it is working with them on something important and serious, or the moments where a random comment in a meeting has everyone giggling (and sometimes hyperventilating with laughter) - I’m glad they are all how they are. Imagine if I were working with boring people - no thanks.
6 things I am looking forward to:
My further training. I am looking forward to completing the course I am currently on at college, and progressing towards another course more suited to my role.
Settling into to a role. I’m still finding my way, but as I learn more and do new tasks I get better at what I do and my colleagues recognise that skills I have. When I do a good job, I am given more opportunity to do things again and on my own.
Less red words in my life. This could also reassure you - I am really bad at spelling, so I often get my spelling corrected. But I am getting better at this! Just ‘cos you’re bad at spelling doesn’t mean you can’t get a job you like - it just means that you could need a little more help.
Social media to evolve. Social media is always changing, I talk about it in every post, but it really is! The other day I had a meeting about how we could use Snapchat, and other social networks that you would never imagine the council to use.
Gaining my qualification. I can’t wait do get something physical in my hand that shows how well I’m doing on my apprenticeship. Not only by gaining amazing experience in so many areas, but also making sure future employers know that I can do the exams too.
Getting my experience on my CV. At just 16, I’ll have digital marketing, Facebook and Twitter experience. Filming gritters, video editing, presenting, comparing social media platforms. Talking with clients, taking minutes, having daily meetings - both formal and informal.
Max Youell is a communications apprentice at Kirklees Council. You can follow his Tumblr here.
