At Reality HR, we are committed to providing opportunities for growth and development within our team. Thanks to the apprenticeship grant funding that we have received from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, and the UK Government through the *UK Shared Prosperity Fund, we were able to welcome a marketing apprentice to the business. This funding has enabled us to support our apprentice’s learning journey.
We’re pleased to introduce our Marketing Apprentice, Lily Olliver. In this Q&A article, we sit down with Lily to discuss her journey so far, what she’s learned and the exciting future ahead…
Q1: What does a typical day look like for you as a marketing apprentice?
A typical day starts by checking my emails and having a quick catch-up with my manager, Jodie, to see if anything urgent needs my attention. Otherwise, I go to my task list and prioritise from there. Throughout the day, new tasks often pop up unexpectedly, which means I need to quickly adjust my priorities, but I enjoy the fast pace and variety.
I work on a wide variety of tasks, keeping my day busy and interesting. From updating our social media platforms to making changes to the website and generating email communications, each task contributes to our wider marketing plan and goals.
No two days are the same, and I’m focused on delivering everything to the highest standard. I find it really satisfying to see the direct impact of my work.
Q2: What attracted you to the marketing apprenticeship at Reality HR?
I was initially drawn to the creativity and variety that marketing offers, as well as the chance to contribute and be a part of such a great business. After starting at Reality HR one day a week, I quickly found myself enjoying the role and the exposure to a busy, marketing team. When I was offered the opportunity to become a full-time apprentice, it was the best decision I could have made—I absolutely love it!
Q3: What have you enjoyed most about your apprenticeship so far?
The amount I’ve learned in such a short time! If I look back to where I started in May, I’ve gained so much knowledge. There are tasks I do now that I couldn’t have even attempted a few months ago. I feel like I’m starting to really “think” in marketing terms, and it’s exciting.
Q4: What skills have you developed since joining Reality HR?
I’ve already developed a variety of skills through the apprenticeship, including data management and upkeep, creating branding materials for both the business and our clients, designing engaging graphics and honing my copywriting abilities. I’ve also gained experience in crafting and sending email communications, updating website content, managing social media platforms, conducting market research and writing client testimonials.
One key skill I’ve practiced is the ability to become comfortable juggling multiple tasks while learning the ropes, all with great support from the team. The instant job satisfaction I feel from completing tasks and seeing the impact of my work is incredibly motivating.
Q5: Can you share a project you’ve worked on that you are particularly proud of?
I’m particularly proud of the logistics I managed for my first event, as well as designing a flyer from scratch. The positive feedback I received from colleagues made all the hard work worthwhile.
Q6: What do you find exciting about marketing in the HR industry?
I love seeing the impact of our marketing. Much of what we promote is essential for businesses to comply with the law, and the difference we make can be significant. At Reality HR, Jodie and I work closely with data, so we can track exactly who downloads resources or submits requests and then direct them to the right person to help them.
Q7: What are you looking forward to learning or achieving in your apprenticeship?
I’m excited to continue expanding my knowledge across all aspects of marketing and to finish with a high pass mark. I’ve really enjoyed learning about new topics and am eager to learn more as I progress through my apprenticeship.
Q8: Tell us a little bit about your background and what led you to choose a career in marketing.
Before joining Reality HR, I gained valuable workplace experience at a Wine & Spirits Merchants and Veterinary practice. In both roles, I developed essential administrative skills such as organisation, attention to detail, and effective communication.
At the Wine & Spirits Merchants, I learned the importance of branding and customer engagement, which sparked my interest in marketing. My time at the veterinary practice helped me understand the significance of empathy and client relationships, crucial aspects of marketing. Additionally, working one day a week at Reality HR exposed me to a marketing environment, further igniting my passion. This combination of experiences is what sparked my interest in pursuing an apprenticeship at Reality HR, where I can apply what I’ve learned and continue to grow.
Q9: What do you like best about working at Reality HR?
The company culture is incredible. It feels like the people are the heart of the business—we trust each other, and everyone plays a crucial role in the company’s success. I also love that we celebrate work anniversaries; it feels like having a second birthday!
Q10: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working or studying?
I love spending time with family, friends, and dogs! My partner and I are dog lovers, and while we don’t have our own dog, we enjoy looking after everyone else’s! My ideal weekend is taking a dog for a walk to the local bakery for tea and a pastry, then coming back home to cook and enjoy a meal while watching a feel-good film. I also play netball and go to the gym—both are great stress relievers!
Learn more about our growing team here: https://www.realityhr.co.uk/our-team/
*The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
