Launching this year’s celebration of junior talent, Mr Sunak, said he was keen to share “some fantastic examples of how apprenticeships can transform people’s lives” in an update on social media network, LinkedIn.
Rhotic Media’s trainee financial journalist, Ella Farmer, was chosen as an example of those enjoying success in the workplace through the national degree apprenticeships programme.
Ms Farmer is currently working as a trainee financial journalist at Rhotic, while following the BSc (Hons) Digital Marketing programme at London South Bank University.
Now in her second year of the apprenticeship, Ms Farmer has reported at events around the world. She works on projects across financial services, including asset management, pensions, mortgages, tax and financial technology, says the company.
Ella Farmer said: “I have always had a passion for journalism and my apprenticeship has only reinforced my goal of having a successful journalistic career.
“Apprenticeships are often seen as a less traditional way of entering the workforce, but they should be a first option. They provide a unique opportunity to earn while you learn. I’d encourage everyone to look into an apprenticeship. It’s truly helped me in starting my career.”
In a statement on 6 February 2023, Mr Sunak said more than 100,000 employers now employ apprentices in everything from visual effects to AI, nursing and engineering.
“We know apprenticeships work,” he said. “9 out of 10 who complete their apprenticeship stay on in work or go on to training afterwards. So, we are backing businesses to create even more opportunities with £2.7 billion investment by 2025.
“Alongside this, I’m delighted by the recent take-up of our T Level qualifications. With 10,000 students starting courses last September. Together, these are just two of the ways we are going to help develop people’s #SkillsforLife and provide a world class education.”
Rhotic Media has been recognised multiple times for its Degree Apprenticeship programme.
In 2022, it collected the John Caudwell Blaze Your Own Trail Award at the 2022 Grand Final of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. In 2021, it won SME Apprentice Employer of the Year at the BPP Apprenticeship Awards.
Joe McGrath, founder and CEO of Rhotic Media, encouraged other employers to embrace apprenticeships in an attempt to open opportunities to everyone.
“Sadly, the media and financial services industries are still dominated by those from a privileged background. Employers have a choice. They can standby or they can make a meaningful difference.
“Degree Apprenticeships, paid internships, paid work experience and school/college outreach programmes are a powerful combination and can help to level the playing field for future generations.”
To read the Prime Minister’s statement in full, click here.
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