So we've come, to the end of the road...

Hi Guys,

As my completion date draws closer I wanted to take this chance to share my experience about my apprenticeship as a whole. Prepare for a lengthy rant. I hope you find it useful whether you’re interested in apprenticeships or entering the world of work.

My Old University Room

The Beginning…

My apprenticeship was plan B. I was in university enjoying the perks of living on campus, students rave nights and being able to skip lectures and still pass assignments with a grade B and above.

I loved university, but quickly found my course wasn’t for me. I decided to leave fairly early; living as a student whilst not actually studying is quite the life. However, all good things come to an end.

As summer approached it hit home I needed another option. This is where apprenticeships stepped in. I got my head around what they offered and was really excited to do one.

My excitement was quickly diminished after 5 long months of ‘unsuccessfuls’ and ‘application denied’. Finding an apprenticeship was as difficult as getting into university; I started to panic, I hadn’t planned on not graduating. Being unemployed and unsure where you’re heading is an issue that unfortunately far too many young people are experiencing. With limited opportunities to satisfy the ambition and aspirations of my generation, it’s very common for people to settle. In a way that’s what I did.

Starting My Apprenticeship…

I was offered the role of Marketing Assistant at DiVA; the feelings differed to when I was accepted into university. University was always my plan, when I enrolled I was over the moon, everything was falling into place. 

Baby Me :)

I was happy to start at DiVA, but was unsure and scared. It very much resembled my first day at nursery. It wasn’t in my plan and I never really showed an interest in marketing.  I didn't know where it would take me but was worried I wouldn’t have anything if I didn’t go with it, so I took the position.

My Apprenticeship…

My day as Lead DiVA

After getting a grasp of working at DiVA and getting my head around marketing I began developing genuine interest for the field. I’ve learnt the importance of marketing. Whether you’re a product, company or person, no matter how amazing your idea or how talented you are, if you can’t market yourself, it’s pointless. I began incorporating my apprenticeship into my new plan, which helped me adjust easier. I was happier not only at work but also within myself. I was learning new things and meeting new people; living in the real world and experiencing it first hand is invaluable, for me personally, it was more beneficial than being taught how to do a job. I wasn’t being taught; I was doing it and learning as I went along.  I never felt I was missing out on education as I’ve been studying alongside my job. I really got the best of both. 

My Director (Arit Eminue) and I

If I had to describe my apprenticeship in one word it would be challenging.

The past year has tested my limits and stretched me further than before. It has been hard in the workplace as well as outside of it. Being the only one of my friends to leave university and do something different felt lonely at times. You don’t get a summer break, you can’t go raving on a weekday, and you have to be so responsible.  I cannot stress how much I miss student loan and regular trips to Westfield’s.

It’s been hard, tough, and there have been times I felt like quitting, but it has been real.  My eyes have been opened to the working world and it’s helped me understand where I wish to fit in it. As the end of my apprenticeship draws near I feel a great sense of accomplishment and pride in myself, I feel rejuvenated and ready to face the world.

I will always be grateful for the opportunity that DiVA gave me, and even more grateful for the experiences I have had. With the ups and downs, I feel that apprenticeships offer an experience that would benefit so many people in this day and age.

Where To Now...

Ready for the world

I’m not sure where I would like to move onto but I know I am ready to move on. I am ready to explore all my possibilities; as important as it is to have a plan, I am ready to search for what is out there and not follow a route just because it has been tried and tested. I am confident enough in myself to do this, and the thought of it is so exciting.

As I wrap up the next few weeks at DiVA I want to say thank to all those who have listened to me rant on over the past year and I hope that it has helped or inspired you in some way.

Everyone has his or her path to follow, just make sure you’re following it for yourself, no matter how different or scary it may seem.

Follow me on twitter - @SeleneShaw_Diva 

FaceBook - Selene Shaw (Selene Diva)

For the latest apprenticeships visit our website

As Promised...

It is finally here people. Check out DiVA's #NAW2013 video featuring Arit Eminue and myself.

Follow me on twitter - @SeleneShaw_Diva 

FaceBook - Selene Shaw (Selene Diva)

For the latest apprenticeships visit our website

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) Round Up.

My very first NAW is all done and dusted. What a hectic week is was. 

For those of you who don't know (where have you been?!) 
NAW is a nationwide celebration of Apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, business and the economy. 

DiVA Employer Open Morning

Kick starting the week was our very own Employer Event held at Channel 4. Like apprentices, employers can be confused about how apprenticeships work. We solve their problem by breaking down the process in simple terms. We also introduce them to an apprentice or two.

Sadly our guest (apprentice) speakers fell ill so I had to step in at like no notice. Thankfully, I was more nervous about people not turning up to my first employer event than I was at speaking. So me and my unprepared self winged it. I entertained our guests with stories about what my journey had been like so far, how my training has helped me and my day to day life; long story short, I think I did pretty well. Many wished me luck at the end and asked to keep in contact. 
We had a good turnout with companies such as Creative Skillset, The Princes Trust and Islington Council represented.

Simon Devereux and Nathan Patience

Big thanks to Simon Devereux, People Development Specialist at Channel 4 for hosting us (you might have seen his picture on the London Underground).


Next up... Woolwich Careers Fair which took place at Charlton Football club.

Charlton Football Grounds

Organised by the Job Centre the event brought together companies like DiVA face-to-face with young people interested in training and apprenticeships. DiVA (as usual) were the only Media related company there.

The staff at the Job Centre were very pleased to have us; we had people queuing for our stand and I hadn't even set up yet.

Arit Eminue at the Woolwich Careers Fair

This time, I had an apprentice... my Director Arit Eminue. We decided to job swap (more about that later).

I think it's fair to say my Director had a harsher approach than me, quizzing people and re-writing their CV on the spot. Though the advice was valuable and witnessing it was rather humorous I suggested being a tad more gentler. 

Towards the end she really enjoyed it and many people interested in what we do asked whether they could stay in contact. Plus we got a load of sign ups to our mailing list.

Back at the office I swapped jobs with Arit.

Arit Eminue and Selene Shaw

Selene Shaw at Arit's Desk

She really got into being me - she even wore my glasses. I sent out emails and took phone calls on her behalf to get a feel of what she deals with on a daily basis. I must admit I enjoyed sitting in the lead DiVA chair and being in charge of the office.

#TAKEOVER 2 at Channel 4

Next up... #TAKEOVER 2 - an event organised by Channel 4 Apprentices fro wanna be apprentices. The apprentices showcased a film they made as well as a panel of represent and graduate apprentices for the audience to ask questions and network.

Personally, I think it is really important to hear from and talk to your fellow apprentices; you both are experiencing the same thing and it's a good way to share stories, offer advice and tips and even talk about times when you find things difficult. It was comforting and inspiring hearing their stories and seeing how finishing their apprenticeship has benefited them. This drew our activities for the week to a close and it was such a good event to end on.

Overall I think it's safe to say NAW went well and we did our fair bit to help get apprenticeships noticed. Yay for Team DiVA. So until next time.

Keep and eye out for our video documenting my job swap and NAW. 

Follow me on twitter - @SeleneShaw_Diva 

FaceBook - Selene Shaw (Selene Diva)

For the latest apprenticeships visit our website

Welcome 2013...

Things have been hectic at the DiVA HQ, I’ve starred in my first movie (lol), organized and attended several events, our team has grown, new apprentices have joined and we’re on the hunt for a new office! Though I enjoyed my Christmas break it’s nice to get back to work. 

So, important things first – my acting debut. I starred in a video showcasing the experiences of apprentices.  The video was commissioned by the National Apprenticeship Service and has gone viral. There was a write up in the Evening Standard and my local press is interested in doing a piece on me, their local star!  You can view the video here. 

Team DiVA have grown. Annette Telesford has joined as our Apprenticeship Training Coordinator. We've also helped four young people secure apprenticeships in Design and Creative and Digital Media. It's lovely to see new faces and watch the team and business expand. Though our newfound numbers have us playing musical chairs in the office. We need to find a bigger office, sharpish. Get on it Bryony :). 

Moving on, the lead DiVA (Arit Eminue) has been sharing her words of wisdom this month. She spoke at an event called 'Be Your Own Boss' where she gave her top tips on building your business and dispelled the myths of multi-tasking. The turn out was great; her talk was really informative and engaging. I had made an awesome slideshow to go with it; unfortunately due to technical difficulties no one saw it. :( I'll save it for next time. 

Doug Richards, Arit Eminue and Benedict Hazan

We had another event, slightly different to the previous, called 'The Apprentice' open to start-ups interested in taking on apprentices or interns. Chaired by Doug Richards (ex-Dragon's Den judge, serious moneymaker& Founder of School for Start-Ups) Arit was joined by Benedict Hazan (Head of Innovation, Inspiring Interns) Bryony also said a few words. All  speakers thoroughly explained what apprenticeships and internships were, how they could benefit a start up business and shared their opinions (this time my slideshow was seen :). It was held at The Hospital club in Covent Garden; it was a brilliant venue. 


On to other news, I represented DiVA at a meeting at BAFTA along with a line up of senior executives across film and TV at BAFTA. The aim of the meeting was to brainstorm innovative ways to let young people know about the different job roles in films so they can make informed decisions about the education route they wish to take.  Other topics included ideas on helping graduates secure employment that did not necessarily include working for free. 

I found this meeting interesting, being someone currently going through the process of deciding which career path to take. It was a brilliant opportunity to network and be involved in a discussion that has great relevance to myself. 

So what’s next? 

Well, we have an event next week for businesses in Hackney looking to take on apprentices.  We’re also planning events for National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) which takes place on the 11th-15th March. The purpose is to raise the profile of apprenticeships with employers and young people. 

So far I’ll be flying the DiVA flag at the Woolwich Job Centre Apprenticeship Day.  Most likely we’ll be doing a live Q&A on twitter – so if there’s a topic you’re interested in discussing let me know. 

I’ve got a fair bit of training lined up to.  Arit encouraged me to attend two marketing courses one of which focuses purely on Social Media Marketing.  I'm really looking forward to it; it will give me the opportunity to build on the skills I have been developing over the past months. I’m also back at College during the week of 18^th Feb.  Yay! I really enjoy the learning aspect of my apprenticeship. There's always some fresh and exciting element being added, making it a lot more interactive and engaging. Last time we visited IPC media who publish magazines such as Marie Claire and Look (my favourite). The Marketing Director from Revolver Entertainment also came to see us and delivered a masterclass on the Marketing Campaign for Plan B’s directorial debut 'Ill Manner's'. 

Finally, I’m DESPERATELY trying to get Arit to let me attend London Fashion Week. I can go in so far as I can get an interview with a designer for our DiVA Inspire brand.  Any advice or contacts – please send my way! 

4 months into my apprenticeship, I love it, I’m learning something new everyday and building vital skills that will help me prosper in the future.

Can't really complain can I? 

Follow me on twitter - @SeleneShaw_Diva

FaceBook - Selene Shaw (Selene Diva)

For the latest apprenticeships visit our website