Sally Grattage – Chesterfield Borough Council
Name: Sally Grattage
Age: 35
Employer: Chesterfield Borough Council
Apprenticeship: Level 3 Digital Marketing Apprenticeship
Whilst working as a full-time administration officer at Chesterfield Borough Council’s two sports centres, Queen’s Park Sports Centre and The Healthy Living Centre, Sally was approached by her manager with the idea of doing an apprenticeship.
She explained: “She told me about the opportunities to develop my skills during my personal development review and thought that, with the tasks I was taking on within my current role, an apprenticeship would be ideal for me to consider.
“We looked into the Digital Marketing Apprenticeship and, along with the centre managers, decided this would be the one most suited to what myself and my employers needed. I thought it would be an ideal opportunity to up my knowledge. I have always enjoyed learning and challenging myself and, at the age I am, didn’t think I would get the chance to start something new.
“I’m a pretty anxious person who really doesn’t like change, so doing this apprenticeship was a big leap out of my comfort zone. It was thanks to my manager, who had the faith in me, that really made me say yes as I knew deep down that not only did I want to do the course, but I needed to.”
Sally added: “I think at first my friends and family were surprised when I told them I would be doing an apprenticeship. I think this is because there is a misconception that they are for younger people. However, after I explained how it would work with off the job learning and that it wouldn’t affect my full-time position, they were excited for me that I had the opportunity to further my skills and potentially my career.”
Over the past 18 months, Sally has started to become more involved with the marketing side of the sports centres. She hopes to eventually expand this into a permanent position where she can focus primarily on supporting the centres with their digital marketing needs.
Thinking about an apprenticeship? Sally’s advice…
To anyone older thinking of doing an apprenticeship, don’t let the misconception that you have to be ‘young’ to do one put you off. If it is something that interests you or will help you further your knowledge or career, then I couldn’t recommend an apprenticeship more.
