LSP Team Development - Katie

At LSP we pride ourselves on the continuous development of our staff. Many team members began their journey as an Apprentice and have gone on to secure rewarding roles within the business, completing numerous qualifications and progressing within their chosen role.

Meet Katie, LSP’s Marketing Lead, who started with the business in 2015. Here she describes her career journey, the experience working with the team at LSP and her advice to those looking to kick start their career.

Since starting with LSP, what career journey have you been on?

“I began my journey with LSP in 2015 as an Apprentice Compliance Coordinator whilst completing a Level 2 Business Administration Apprenticeship. Within this role I assisted the Compliance Manager in making sure all delivery met internal and external compliance targets. Some of my main responsibilities were to gather learner information from tutors, coordinate the learner journey by ensuring all information was collated and stored correctly and carry out learner file audits.

Following the successful completion of my Level 2 Apprenticeship in 2016, I upskilled onto Business Administration at Level 3. At this point I took on extra responsibilities such as issuing learner files to tutors, enrolling learners onto our learner management system, booking hotels for tutors, carrying out weekly audits, handling post and any general administration duties. Towards the end of my apprenticeship in 2018, I was offered the opportunity to split my role between administration and digital media. I had previously completed a Level 2 BTEC in IT at College where I found an interest in design, so I knew this new role was something I would be passionate about.

In 2019 it was agreed that I move permanently into digital marketing as a Digital Media and Marketing Assistant. Within this new role I predominantly assisted with the formatting on our VLE (Canvas) to ensure learners have an engaging experience. I also supported with marketing to improve our online presence. To gain extra knowledge in this role I completed a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Social Media.

At the beginning of 2021 LSP moved over to our new brand! During this period I worked closely with LSP’s Commercial Director to ensure a smooth transition. We then looked to improve LSP’s overall marketing by creating a new plan to improve brand awareness. The guidance I received throughout these months had a huge impact on my knowledge and understanding of marketing as a whole, which will help me to succeed in my new role.”

What is your current role? What does an average week look like for you?

“I have recently taken on my new role as Marketing Lead. My main aim is to promote and engage customers, learners and stakeholders in LSP’s products and services. During an average week I am usually working on campaigns, designing content such as blogs or information booklets, creating social media posts/ PPC ads and maintaining our website.

I am also currently completing my Digital Marketing Apprenticeship Degree with QA/ Solent University. Each Thursday I have the full day to dedicate time towards training sessions and course work.”

How has completing apprenticeships helped you to succeed in your career?

“Completing my apprenticeships has been a huge help in gaining essential job experience and learning hands-on in my role. I began with LSP having only previously worked part time at a game store which meant I had little understanding of administration and compliance. Being able to work alongside experienced staff provided me with the opportunity to learn quickly and pick things up easier than I would have if attending College or University.”

What is it like working with LSP?

“I love working for LSP, the whole team is like a family. Everyone is available to help if needed, even if you just need someone to talk to. We regularly hold a Friday Quiz which is great for everyone to get together. I also really like our peer rewards system which allows staff members to nominate others who have gone above and beyond.

I have definitely been supported throughout my journey with LSP, for each role I have taken on I have been given the opportunity to complete a relevant qualification to help me develop my knowledge further and succeed.”

What are your next career steps?

“My next career step is to complete my Digital Marketing Degree and further improve the knowledge of my role in marketing. Completing my degree will allow me to understand the different aspects of marketing and be able to apply them to LSP to develop our marketing strategy.”

What advice would you give to someone looking to begin their career journey?

“For anyone looking to begin their career, I 100% recommend apprenticeships to get onto the career ladder. I began my journey in administration but was lucky enough to develop into marketing which is my dream role!

I would say it is really important that you consider a company’s culture when applying for jobs and not just the role. When attending my interview with LSP it was clear that there was a positive work environment, which made me even more interested in joining the team. Work culture has such a huge impact, which is why I still love my job at LSP 6 years later! :)”