Building a career in marketing: Lola’s apprenticeship journey

Lola is Marketing Apprentice at Choice Care and has been with the company since October 2024, starting an apprenticeship following her A-Levels. Lola passed her Level 4 Marketing Executive with a distinction and is now studying for her Level 6 Marketing Manager apprenticeship. 

“I had always wanted to do something related to marketing or journalism, following my passion for Media Studies at A-Level. I knew university wasn’t the route for me, but still wanted to learn and develop so began looking at apprenticeships. Once I’d completed my A-Levels, I was applying for marketing and journalism roles across the board, but I was attracted to apply for the role of Marketing Apprentice at Choice Care as it was within the adult care industry and supporting people with learning disabilities and mental health needs. This had a personal pull for me, after being diagnosed with Autism and OCD, I was inspired to join an organisation that directly makes a difference to people’s lives, in a way that I could relate to.” 

“Every day is so different! I log on at 8:00 am and run through my to-do list. I might be working from the office, at home, at events or out and about visiting Choice Care services – meeting the people we support and colleagues.  

I’ve been involved in so many exciting projects, including an overhaul of the Choice Care website, I also created a video of the 2026 Choice Got Talent, which was so exciting. I worked on the ‘Where Care Means More’ project and have led lots of my own campaigns across social media and other channels. I have learned so much and am continually developing my skills, while enhancing Choice Care’s brand awareness.  

Being part of the Marketing team means I work with many colleagues across the organisation, from the commercial team to colleagues who work in and run our homes, which is great!”  

“Having the right support has been really important to me. I have learnt so much from my manager through suggestions, feedback and support. I feel so grateful – if I could design the perfect manager, it would be her!  She provides incredible work-related and personal support and is always there for me. 

As part of my apprenticeship, I also attend virtual training courses. Within these sessions, my coach sets projects throughout, to further deepen my knowledge and apply my skills to real-life situations in preparation for my end-point assessment.” 

“I really enjoyed completing my Level 4 and was thrilled to receive a distinction! I am now completing my Level 6 apprenticeship, and it is enjoyable – but is also challenging me, which is great!”

“The Level 6 course is more strategy based, looking at why we do things and rather than just what we are doing. It is all about linking to the organisational strategy and learning leadership and management skills, from both line management and project perspectives. I want to continue to develop my skills and continue to progress within the marketing industry, passing my Level 6 apprenticeship and work my way into a fully qualified marketing role.”

“As a Choice Care employee, I think the learning support you receive is fantastic. Through my line manager, and everyone I’ve interacted with, I’ve always felt supported. They explain things clearly, help me learn new skills, and ensure I succeed in my role.”