Wilmslow digital academy launches apprenticeship

Lauren, Dawn and Amy, Business Consort

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A Wilmslow digital marketing and social media academy has launched an international training programme to help nurture young talent across the region.

Dawn McGruer, founder of digital and social media academy Business Consort, is introducing the new initiative as the business marks its 13th anniversary this month.

The scheme's launch follows latest figures from think tank New Economy, which highlighted a decline in uptake of apprenticeships across the North West between 2009/10 and 2015/16. However, statistics also showed steady growth in the creative and digital sectors for apprenticeships.

As part of the programme, Business Consort has recently welcomed Lauren May and Amy Follos, both aged 18. The pair will work alongside the team across sales and marketing, giving them a chance to learn on the job, while they will also attend QA Apprenticeships training centre.

Former Xaverian College pupil Lauren, from Cheadle, said: "University didn't really appeal to me and I couldn't wait to get out there to start a career. I've always had a passion for social media and all things digital, so I'm looking forward to getting some 'real world' training and shadowing the team in their various roles."

Based across both the North West and London, Business Consort works with individuals and businesses to help bridge the digital skills gap, offering face-to-face and online workshops, along with Digital Marketing Institute and Chartered Institute of Marketing-accredited qualifications.

Both Amy and Lauren fought off tough competition for their places on the scheme and are due to complete their training with Business Consort within the next 15 months.

Amy, who studied a Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Business at Macclesfield College, said: "I'm particularly interested in marketing through social media and am looking forward to implementing campaigns for Business Consort and also sharing knowledge with clients."

With over 20,000 students currently registered, Business Consort offers training in digital marketing, social media, SEO, MailChimp, search engine optimisation and analytics.

Dawn, who set up Business Consort in 2005, said: "With university becoming ever-more expensive and many teenagers turning their backs on traditional routes, apprenticeships are no longer seen as the 'easy option'.

"The digital and creative industry is constantly evolving and, as such, it makes perfect sense to have young, fresh talent on board. Amy and Lauren have grown up within a digital world, and live and breathe social media, so they're perfectly placed to bring something extra to our team, while at the same time working towards their diploma in digital marketing.

"Launching an international training programme is part of our wider plans for continued growth within the company. The students will be awarded £1,000 on completion of the course and offered a full-time position."

For more information about Business Consort, visit: www.digitalandsocialmediaacademy.com.

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