Here at Tapestry we are firm believers and advocates of Apprenticeships. They provide a unique opportunity to kickstart your career in an industry you’re interested in, whilst also gaining a qualification. Many people throughout the company are currently taking or have already completed an Apprenticeship, whether this was with Tapestry or elsewhere. Our four directors all kickstarted their careers as an Apprentice, and our Managing Director Tony became an Apprentice here in 1985 at the age of 17. To show our support for #NAW2018 we hear from six different employees – Steve, Penny and Adam who have completed their Apprenticeship with Tapestry and continue to work here, and Janine, Jayson and Charlotte who are currently undertaking one.
“I started working at Tapestry 14 years ago as a Studio Junior and completed my Apprenticeship through the BPIF. I feel that our industry is forever evolving. We all began our careers doing one thing, but as technologies and media drive us into new ventures, Tapestry has always provided the best support for developing our skills so we can continue to be relevant in the industry. The best thing about the Apprenticeship? The people. If I remember correctly, I began my apprenticeship with about six others. It was lovely to see each of us move in a direction which best suited our strengths. Each of us going down separate career paths and becoming very talented in our areas of expertise.”
What did you want to be when you were younger? Like most, a Graphic Designer
“I’ve been with Tapestry for 10 years now and began as a Junior Artworker taking my GNVQ Apprenticeship in Print. Undertaking my Apprenticeship within Tapestry helped me gain a lot of useful knowledge about the processes of print. This was extremely helpful when having to send artworks or retouched images to print. It was during this apprenticeship that I began to learn of retouching and this is where my interest in the area grew. I found that the best thing about the apprenticeship was learning on the job and understanding the industry quickly. ”
What did you want to be when you were younger? I wanted to work within TV Production
“I recently completed my IT Web developer Level 3 Apprenticeship, and when I joined Tapestry 2 years ago my job title was a Junior Digital Designer. Apprenticeships always appealed to me due to the job prospects with household agencies in addition to this to get qualified it seemed like a win-win situation. I received all the guidance that I required and as much as it was a struggle to manage work deadlines and coursework, it taught me key time management skills. I ended up passing and received a full-time contract with Tapestry, now heading up the EA Digital team.”
What did you want to be when you were younger? A graphic/digital designer
“I started working at Tapestry 4 months ago and am currently taking my L4 Software Developer Apprenticeship. My experience so far as an Apprentice at Tapestry has been an amazing experience. I have learned so much in such a short space of time, and I work alongside some great colleagues. From day one I was made to feel very welcome and was also given responsibilities which made me feel like a valuable part of the team. I am grateful for the opportunity and I look forward to being able to continue to make a positive contribution to Tapestry. The best thing about the Apprenticeship has to be learning a skill. From the get-go the work has been very hands-on and this has definitely aided my learning. I prefer practical means of learning and the Apprenticeship has allowed me to do that. I’ve got real life work experience which has been invaluable and I believe this apprenticeship will provide me with a solid foundation in my career in development.”
What did you want to be when you were younger? A teacher
“I’m currently undertaking a Software Development L4 Apprenticeship and have been with Tapestry for 4 months now. It has been a blast! I have been able to experience a lot of work related things that I could have only dreamed of actually doing myself. The company is more like a big family who is always there for you, they give you all the support you need to excel in the industry and provide a lot of opportunities for personal growth. I really enjoy the work I do here and the people I’m surrounded with. I feel blessed to be a part of Tapestry.”
What did you want to be when you were younger? Mechanics Physicist
“I’ve been with Tapestry for 1 year and 3 months, and am currently taking a Level 3 NVQ Apprenticeship in Digital Pre Press for Print. Undertaking an Apprenticeship at Tapestry so far has been very informative with what is expected from me over the next few years. The best thing about the Apprenticeship is that at the end I will have more knowledge of Digital Print and be in a better position to move upwards within the industry.”
What did you want to be when you were younger? A teacher
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