Sales Operations Apprentice Review

My main day-to-day roles include setting up VOD campaigns and making amendments to Linear campaigns when asked by the AV team. In order to set up VOD campaigns we need assets so we will often have to chase Sales (AV) for them.

I had not used the software before so hard skills I have learnt include Stellar and FreeWheel. In terms of soft skills my confidence and communication has developed since starting the role.

I think there are a lot of interesting elements and it has given me a greater understanding of TV, although it can be somewhat repetitive. I am glad for the role as I feel like my work is niche but is still a foot in the door of TV and my studies are quite broad so it gives a range of skills.

I think it is quite well organised, working 4 days a week and having 1 day be a study day is good as I feel like I'm learning on the job and in my studies whilst still being able to help my team. My tutor helps make the study activities more organised and relevant to each other and what I'm doing.

I receive a lot of support from my employer, my manager is extremely supportive and wants me to do well. Other people at work, whether they are on my team or not are also supportive and willing to help.

I get a good amount of support from the training provider. My trainer is helpful, we have a good amount of calls and talks to me about activities before she sets them so they are more relevant to what I am doing and we go through what is needed for the activities too, she pushes me in a positive way so I am moving towards getting the best grade.

It is quite a broad qualification whilst my role is quite niche but activities surrounding things such as communication and business structure help in my role as communication is necessary within my team and to other teams in the business and a greater understanding of how the business is run and how it works is always helpful.

There are a lot of social activities at work, it is quite a social office. In terms of apprentice based socials we all met when we first started the apprenticeship as they took us all down to the London office and they put on bi-weekly apprentice meetings that we can join through Teams. They also put on screenings of new content before it goes to the public as well as Q+As from people who are create/ are in the shows. Occasionally external people will be bought in to talk to us. It can be disappointing though as the apprentice socials, screenings and talks are quite London based so it can be a bit more difficult to get involved if you do not work in the London office.

Yes

The people really make Channel 4, so many of your colleagues will be really kind and helpful which is great, especially for an apprentice. It also gives a great insight into the TV industry. There are also some perks such as early screenings and Q&As, the benefits can be quite good although you won't have access to a lot of them as an apprentice due to pay. Overall I am glad to have my apprenticeship as it is a good foot in the door.

Don't feel like you need to have loads of experience when applying, especially if it is quite a niche role, they will train you well and teach you a lot. Research them, they will appreciate if you can relate what you've done and who you are to their remit.