The judges at the 2023 Local Government Apprentice of Year event were not only looking for their Apprentice of the Year but were also looking for their social media star.
Throughout the event, apprentices were encouraged to create original content on their social media platforms using the hashtag #LGapprentice2023. This challenge was embraced by the apprentices resulting in a range of posts from selfies to illustrations.
Many of the apprentices got involved creating some wonderful posts and it was Wakefield Council’s very own Level 3 marketing assistant apprentice, Esther Wilcock, who really stood out.
Throughout the event, Esther showcased her existing social media skills through a series of ‘tweets’ regarding how she was feeling to be at the event and what she was learning. Her tweets were honest and captivating, and reflections such as “Just finished a challenging session considering council stakeholders and the impact that policies have on them. I found it difficult, but it pushed me to think, and my team had some great ideas!” ultimately led Esther to go on to win this well-deserved award.
Esther’s experience is a perfect example of how attending the event can not only provide apprentices with new skills, but it is also a platform which apprentices can use to showcase existing ones. For apprentices who wish to continue developing their career, such opportunities can prove invaluable as Esther has already experienced, noting that her win has helped her gain attention and praise not just at the event but also within her existing role and the wider council.
Winning the social media award has gained me a lot of attention and praise at work, I think this has helped me to make a good name for myself at my workplace and even within the council.
After the event, Esther reflected that the day not only helped showcase her existing skills but also identified areas for personal development as well as providing her with some ideas that she can take back to her existing role in marketing. Esther is hoping that this knowledge and development, along with her new ‘Local Government Social Media Competition Winner’ status can help her as she continues on her apprenticeship journey.