Apprenticeships for marketing and PR
Jamie Oliver, you might find him irritating or inspirational, but he often talks sense.
He has taken a side swipe at the government for pushing university at school leavers and not investing in apprenticeships.
What is the point of of 50% of school leavers going to college when there are not enough jobs for them? And The Guardian commented on Saturday that even Oxbridge graduates are guaranteed nothing.
Why not have apprenticeships for marketing and PR?
Some years ago I was talking to an academic who was setting up a post graduate course for PR. I asked him excitedly where he had worked. The answer, in a blase fashion was, “I haven’t worked in PR.”
I have wondered ever since how you can teach something you have never even tried.
I have also noted that many professions can be learnt in the world of work with perhaps some college release.
Do not misunderstand me, university and learning do have merit. And you should learn for the enjoyment and interest of a subject, even if there is no job waiting for you. We sometimes forget that.
Yes, marketers and PRs should invest in professionals qualifications – it shows interest in their profession and a desire to add to their skills. But the key skills / attributes are surely enthusiasm, openness to improving skills, writing, analytical skills, ability to interact with colleagues and clients and common sense.
If those interested in marketing and PR wish to do an English degree – fine. All I am saying is there should be an alternative and the government should not encourage such large numbers to go into university because they do not have a clue what to do with them or the misapprehension that having such large numbers in education will make us an economic superpower.
Would marketing and PR wither away if universities cut 75% of graduates in marketing, PR and business. The answer is surely “no!”
January 24th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
I completely agree. Your article was both refreshing and inspirational.
I, like may other people my age, am studying at university. I am cureently studying fashion and textile management. I have always had a passion for fashion and PR and it is something I would love to eventually have a career in. I was pushed to go to university to acheive this goal. Only now having tried university and read your article have I realised that university is perhaps not for me. I certainly would apply to a PR and marketing apprenticeship but it’s exremely rare to find something like that. Do you have any ideas as to where or how i may go about this? Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
June 16th, 2008 at 9:55 am
i am currently studying in 6th form an am quite worried about getting a job when and if i do come out from University. I love business and would love to learn more about it but i find what you said absolutely true. I have to say i did indeed inspire me and i just want to ask you if you could recommend me to apply to, in order to get a Apprenticeship in marketing and PR
than you.
December 23rd, 2010 at 12:29 am
You have put into words exactly how i feel. Im only sixteen and in september next year im expected to go onto sixth form but i dont think that its worth it. My teachers- as much as they’re trying to help – are almost forcing me into going but i have given alot of thought to it and i know that sixth form just isnt where i need to be. Don’t get me wrong i do beleive that it’s useful and i am literally guranteed a place, however i think that in PR, experience counts for far more than a few certificates in English literature and media studies. Right now i am on the internet searching for what seems a non-existant apprenticeship at a PR company or even for something in journalism. It used to be that people who went to sixth form and university were idles but in this day and age anyone can go sixth form and i suppose even university now; so in the competative business that is the media industry what is one person with a few qualifications when compared to the many almost identical people with qaulifications. why wait now to be turned down later? I want to start now and build up from what i have now.. i dont see university as a ladder anymore but more so just a maze you slowly make your way through just to find that even with all your effort and skill you’ve made a wrong turn ad are right back at the beggining again. I just wish that there was something out there that could save me from this bleak future but im afraid unless i can find something soon im going to be out of options. I have just realised that the aticle is almost three years old now so no worrys on replying ect but still.. i think its relavent all the same/
Thankyou