Adventures in the Multiverse

Not all careers start at university: apprenticeships are an effective way to add diversity to your workforce and level-up. At the same time, your organisation benefits from new talent, original thinking and a different point of view.

It’s been six months since Nikol W. joined us via Multiverse, an organisation that offers an alternative to university and corporate training via professional apprenticeships.

Tell us a bit about yourself?

Hi, I’m Nikol, 19 and based in East London. Last summer, I booked a solo trip to Sicily, Italy. At 18, I had already accomplished a goal I've had since I was a little girl (to travel by myself). It was an amazing experience that helped me channel my courage, discover myself and create friendships with other solo travellers from around the world. I plan to continue my journey of travelling the world when the time is right. I love to be creative in my spare time, whether that is sketching, producing videos, cooking a new recipe or getting lost in my journal.?

Describe your educational/work journey before Multiverse

Before Multiverse, I had taken a gap year to figure out what I wanted for my future. I worked a few different hospitality jobs, but anyone who’s worked in hospitality would know the challenges of consistent late nights behind the bar. Throughout the year, I was consistently drawn towards digital marketing, and apprenticeships were always the route I had planned to take, so when I came across Multiverse, it seemed like the perfect option for my next step.

How did you hear about Multiverse and why did you choose it??

TikTok became my new Google Search throughout Covid. So naturally, after researching digital marketing apprenticeships, the algorithm pushed Multiverse onto my feed. After hearing positive feedback from various young people, I decided it felt like a positive step in the right direction.

How does the programme work??

A Multiverse apprenticeship puts you where the action is, using what you learn every day. Then refining and building on it through practice and discussion with other learners. The result? You retain information better and progress faster. The duration of my programme is 15 months, and at the end of it, I earn a qualification based on my portfolio and the completion of my exams.

Describe a typical week studying and working at 2Y3X

Monday-Thursday, I dedicate myself to working, which includes content creation, updating the website with SEO and monitoring marketing strategies. I have two Zoom calls a week with Mwangala (Mo) Lishomwa to stay up to date and for any extra support. Friday is dedicated to study. Multiverse provides a lot of support in this area, with Zoom calls, exams, one on one with a personal coach and access to a community hub where you can find so much information.?

What’s your proudest achievement since joining 2Y3X?

My proudest achievement since joining 2Y3X would be improvement in time management. Balancing work, fitness, personal life and getting the full eight hours of sleep every night is definitely a challenge. I’ve been able to develop my time management with the help of my colleagues and my Multiverse coach.?

What has been the hardest part of doing an apprenticeship??

The hardest part of doing the apprenticeship would be starting my career fully remote. I think the biggest challenge about this is not having person-to-person contact, but my team is fully supportive if I need to reach out and get in contact with them.

What advice would you give to companies interested in taking on an apprentice?

To have someone within the company who is willing to work closely with and mentor the apprentice throughout the apprenticeship. This has helped me so much along the way and I am so grateful to have the support around me.