This National Apprenticeship Week, we talk to Albright IP’s first marketing apprentice, Alisha Tejrar, and her mentor, Marketing Lead Janet Messenger, about Alisha’s first few weeks, their growing working relationship and the true value an apprentice can bring to a business.
Less than two months into her apprenticeship, Alisha is already finding her feet at Albright IP, learning the ropes with support from her mentor, Janet.
“I made the decision to undertake an apprenticeship as I feel I learn better through hands-on experience. Building my marketing skills through a practical approach will be so invaluable,” said Alisha, who has just started a Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketing Apprenticeship with Gloucestershire College.
“I find it fascinating how a brand is marketed and promoted and how it can engage a person to use that service or product. Marketing is always evolving; there’s always some new app to try or skill to learn.”
Albright IP stood out as somewhere that Alisha could develop her skills and learn more about marketing. She liked the idea of how Trade Marks and patent protection really went hand-in-hand with marketing, protecting brands, logos, and, ultimately, companies.
“I also chose to work for Albright IP because of their values. I really like what they stand for,” added Alisha.
Initial reservations
Although Alisha is already proving just how valuable she is to Albright IP, Janet admitted to having initial reservations about mentoring an apprentice.
“The company is growing, and we needed some more support, but I had to think long and hard about taking on an apprentice. You are starting someone off in their career, and you have to be willing to give them the best possible start,” said Janet. “I thought it would be a huge responsibility and one I was unsure of.
“I was so wrong though. Alisha is a bundle of energy and has come with such brilliant ideas. I set her a task and, if she doesn’t understand, she’ll do her own research or ask questions. The whole experience has exceeded my expectations – from day one, she’s been such a great help.”
Over the past few weeks, Alisha has been learning about the business and focusing on developing Albright IP’s social media presence, building a content plan and evolving her creative skills.
By becoming fully immersed in the business, she has been able to develop content to promote Albright IP and engage current and prospective clients and partners with its work and values. Alisha has also developed her planning skills and is discussing content directly with attorneys and the wider Albright IP team, to ensure accuracy.
“No two days are the same here, you can have a plan, but that plan will quickly change because something important comes up. It’s fast paced, but I like that,” said Alisha.
Janet added: “Alisha has come up with some great ideas that we’ve already implemented, and we are seeing them come into fruition with interesting results. The posts she’s created for LinkedIn are brilliant and we are seeing increased engagement.
“Alisha is a different generation to me and has a diverse way of looking at things. She is providing a fresh pair of eyes and, importantly, has the confidence to share her ideas.
“Even though there is a significant age gap between us, we work really well together. It has been so nice to have someone to bounce ideas off, and we have a laugh as well.”
What’s next for Alisha?
Off to a flying start, Alisha is already anticipating what the year ahead and beyond will bring.
“I want to figure out what area I want to specialise in within marketing through building my skills here – there are so many different routes I could go down,” she said. “I think my dream would to be a marketing director one day.”
She is looking forward to working on her first big project, renewing and developing a number of key videos, and working closely with different members of the Albright IP team. Alisha is also organising internal events, such as a recent charity bake sale, and will be taking part, and organising, networking events, including one for marketing apprentices, where an Albright IP attorney will discuss the importance of protecting your brand.
A perfect partnership
For Janet and Alisha, the apprenticeship scheme has been working out better than either could have anticipated, and the benefits are clear for all to see.
“I am really happy with how Alisha is getting on. She has allowed me to concentrate on the more traditional business development, which I enjoy, while she focuses on the digital side. Between us, we have everything covered,” said Janet.
Alisha, who balances her college work with her job at Albright IP, enjoys putting what she has learned in the classroom into practice.
“You learn so much from an apprenticeship and get real-life experiences that you wouldn’t necessarily get from a university degree,” said Alisha. “I have been able to go on a lot of courses too – I’m learning about AI at the moment – that will not only benefit me but the company as well.”
Jade Wilce, Senior Business & Apprenticeship Sales Executive at Gloucestershire College, said: “This National Apprenticeship Week, Gloucestershire College proudly celebrate our apprentices, employer partners, and the transformative impact of apprenticeships. More than just training, apprenticeships open doors, bridge skill gaps, and create opportunities at every career stage.
“We are delighted to have partnered with Albright IP, to support their marketing apprentice, Alisha, on her apprenticeship journey. Our journey with Albright IP, started with an initial conversation to understand the role and how this aligned to apprenticeship training, to supporting recruitment and onboarding. Alisha is now in the beginnings of teaching and learning with her Assessor Trainer and flourishing in the role. It has been a fantastic example of how businesses and education providers can collaborate to develop skilled talent and build a strong pipeline for the future.”
As Alisha goes from strength to strength at Albright IP, Janet and the wider team are clearly pleased with her progress as she continues to develop her skills and knowledge.
And Janet’s initial fears were, of course, unfounded. She concluded: “If anyone is considering an apprentice, I would say to go for it. If you get the right person for your business, which the interview process should help you do, they are worth their weight in gold.”
Albright IP is also considering supporting apprentices in other departments of the business, offering individuals the perfect opportunity to be trained in a great career.
Learn more about Albright IP at www.albright-ip.co.uk or discover how apprentices can help your business at www.naw.appawards.co.uk.
