Digital and Marketing Assistant Leigh-ann Kraft is coming to the end of her apprenticeship at Dv8 Sussex. We took this opportunity to ask her about her time and experience as an apprentice here.

Tell us about yourself?

My name is Leigh-ann Kraft. I’m 19 and I’m in the process of completing the Level 3 Creative and Digital Media apprenticeship at Dv8 Sussex. My job role during the apprenticeship has been the Digital and Marketing Assistant at Dv8 Sussex.

What made you want to be an apprentice?

I didn’t want to be stuck with all of the debt that people have when they come out of university; with an apprenticeship I had the option to be paid a decent wage and gain a years’ worth of experience. I found when I tried to look for full time positions within the media industry they all said they wanted someone with more experience, which is what the Dv8 Sussex apprenticeship offered me.

How would you describe your time at Dv8 Sussex?

My time at Dv8 Sussex has been fun, insightful and I’ve met some great people. I’ve learnt a lot about the media industry and now have invaluable experience that I can take with me into my future as a filmmaker.

What was the best thing about being an apprentice at Dv8 Sussex?

I like that I’m surrounded by creative people who are all actively working in the media industry. They all have so much knowledge and experience that they are always sharing with me. I also get to help other people the same age as me find their confidence and watch them grow.

What’s next for you?

I’m currently looking for work in the TV and film industry and hope to one day have my own TV studio.

(p.s. if you’d like to see my work check out my website, www.lk-productions.co.uk)

Would you recommend an apprenticeship to others considering one?

Yes, I have friends that went to university and studied media and are jealous that I managed to get into the creative industry before them!

How did you manage the workload of a full time job and the qualifications you were completing?

The qualifications were separated into a diploma and a certificate. The diploma was completed one day a week at college and the certificate related to what I was doing in the workplace, so my line manager, Debbie Clare, would let me work on them when they were relevant to tasks she would set me. There was a lot of work to do but if you stay on top of it, you don’t really have to worry.

Was the apprenticeship what you expected?

I didn’t expect to be so welcomed into Dv8 Sussex as the apprentice but they treat me the same as everyone else, I feel like I’ve made some genuine friends here.

What was your best memory from your time at Dv8 Sussex?

The recent staff inset day playing an interesting version of rounders, where Leo got a bit competitive and practically threw me across the finishing post. We got double points though!

What are you going to miss most about your time as an apprentice?

Being a part of Dv8 Sussex and the amazing staff that work here.