Apprentice Callum achieves his goal at Southend United #NAW2019 @SUFCRootsHall

National Apprenticeship Week runs from 4-8 March, encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to choose an apprenticeship. Callum Bishop highlights how his digital marketing apprenticeship has helped him to land his dream job.

Lifelong Southend United fan, Callum Bishop, 19, from Essex has landed his dream job at the club, thanks to an 18-month apprenticeship.

Callum has impressed bosses with his skills and teamwork during his digital marketing apprenticeship – leading to a permanent post as Media and Marketing Executive.

He is due to complete his Level 3 apprenticeship, arranged through employment and skills specialist Seetec this month. Callum, a former student at Seevic college in Benfleet, admits he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do before he saw the apprenticeship advertised and encourages other young people to consider apprenticeship opportunities.

Callum (pictured filming the players warming up before last Saturday’s match against Barnsley) said:

“Now I can’t imagine myself doing any other job than media work – and working for the football club is a real bonus. I have really developed my video skills and I took the lead in directing and producing the club’s kit launch video revealing they were supporting Prostate Cancer UK.

“I’ve gained new skills and knowledge of how to shoot and edit the video, keeping it short and using music to create impact.

“When I was offered a permanent contract, I said yes straight away. I’m really happy and my role has already developed. I now have more responsibility for website and social media content and have been interviewing new players, as well as doing a lot more design work.”

Head of Commercial at the club, Rhys Ellingham, said:

“Callum has come on leaps and bounds since joining us as an apprentice and has really helped the growth of the club’s digital outreach on the website and social media with his video skills.

“I would highly recommend any employer looking at apprenticeship opportunities for their business as it’s a great opportunity for the employee to gain qualifications whilst learning the trade.”