Chamber Apprentice Reflects on Learning Journey

06 Feb 2025

Published in: Black Country Chamber of Commerce News

Hear from our Content Creator Apprentice, Owenia Francis as she recalls her achievements over the past 18 months while working at Black Country Chamber.

As our Chamber’s very first apprentice since forming in 1856, my Chamber story has been an enjoyable, challenging and hugely rewarding entry into the world of marketing.

With my journey coming to an end just before National Apprenticeship Week, I thought I’d share just a few of my favourite highlights to commemorate what has been a truly transformative experience.

Lights, Camera, Prosper Magazine! – Autumn 2023

From the get-go I was launched into induction week, meeting lots of friendly faces from the Chamber team and BBC. It was a bit daunting joining a team where everyone had so much experience, but I was in good hands with lots of mentors to guide me along the way.

I was lucky enough to take part in new opportunities, including being on the front cover of our Black Country PROSPER Magazine. But if I had to summarise the season in one word it would be – networking – and lots of it. From mingling with members at our Leaders Lunch, to external events and learning from undergraduate students in the University of Wolverhampton photography studio.

Encouraging Students for #NAW2024 – Winter 2023/24

In January, I began writing the first edition of my bi-monthly blog series. Kicking off the new year with our exclusive business savings (which you really should check out if you are a member). I also had the chance to dive into our Ready for 2024 campaign, highlighting our members’ successes in 2023 and goals for the following year.

In the spirit of National Apprenticeship Week, I led a presentation at Q3 Academy in Tipton in partnership with Workpays. It was great to see pupils asking so many questions, which hopefully continues to position apprenticeships as a practical pathway.

Stepping into Start-Up – Spring 2024

In March, I joined members at our Women in Leadership event, where local BBC presenter Amber Sandhu gave an inspiring talk about navigating her media career as a freelancer. This was a lovely way to mark International Women’s Day and sparked ideas for leading my very first campaign.

With the support of our Start-Up Business Manager Alison Trinder, I created the Women in Start-Up campaign to highlight the success of influential women in the Chamber’s Start-Up Business Club.

Since March doubles as Women’s History Month, we shone the spotlight on local women making history right here in the region. The Chamber also launched two Start-up Business programmes to support entrepreneurs across Walsall and Wolverhampton. Overall, the season was a massive win for entrepreneurs in the region whose incredible work over the past few decades has put the Black Country on the map.

Studio Sessions – Summer 2024

Last summer, I had a blast filming our members' behind-the-scenes interviews for the awards with Midlands Creative. From law firms to football stadiums, I had a chance to see first-hand what our diverse partners value each year from the Chamber’s flagship event.

In July, I assisted the pros in our marketing team as they delivered the colourful new ‘Word of Mouth’ campaign – which you can read about here. Working with members Osborn Communications and Plum Ideas on such a big project was a masterclass in collaboration. All of it, of course, was made possible by our fantastic members sharing their testimonials.

Through the BBC I had the chance to volunteer at the ‘Inspiring the Black Country’ careers event hosted by Wolverhampton Racecourse. School pupils took centre-stage at our stall to test their broadcasting skills in the Share Your Story challenge. Stepping in front of, and behind the camera for the first time is nerve-wracking for anyone but the level of confidence and teamwork shown by our region’s young people made me so proud to see.

Annual Awards Season – Autumn 2024

Our Meet the Team event in October was a chance for members and curious businesses to see the wonderful people behind the Chamber and learn more about how we support businesses in the Black Country day-to-day. Between conversations and canapes, I caught up with news and current projects from members ahead of our Black Country Chamber Business Awards.

I was pleasantly surprised to be nominated as a finalist for last year’s Ladder for the Black Country Apprentice Awards by Express & Star. I was honoured to be in the running for the ‘Tech, Digital and Creative Industries Apprentice of the Year’ award and it was a momentous occasion to witness all the dedicated learners being recognised for their efforts.

The End of an Era – Winter 2024/25

This year’s Ready for 2025 campaign generated so much buzz after the post-Christmas slow down. It’s always motivating to hear what our members’ goals are for the next 12 months as I eagerly anticipate updates further down the line. Although, this time is especially bittersweet as my last campaign.

And finally... writing this blog?

My role at the Chamber has offered a deep dive into business across the region, policy insights, regional, national and international affairs and much more.

After receiving a distinction in my final project, I am completing my apprenticeship full of confidence and anticipation for the next chapter of my career.

Want to learn more?

If you are an employer and thinking of hiring an apprentice, you can find out more about the process and use your Chamber dashboard ‘Members Directory’ to connect with local apprenticeship training providers.

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