Jasmine Barrow’s Apprenticeship Journey

Jasmine Barrow, an 18-year-old PR and Communications apprentice, completed her Level 4 apprenticeship with JGA, achieving a distinction. Her journey into the world of public relations wasn’t a traditional one. After completing her GCSEs, Jasmine initially embarked on a business T Level course at college. However, after just one month, she realised it wasn’t the right fit. Coming from a family with strong business roots—her parents had run their own business for over 20 years—Jasmine was drawn to the idea of learning on the job through an apprenticeship.

Her story is one of determination and growth. This case study explores her experiences, the challenges she faced, and what she discovered along the way.

Jasmine’s decision to move into an apprenticeship was driven by her desire for practical, hands-on learning. Reflecting on her time in college, she said, “I just didn’t think that staying the course for another two years was for me.” Although Jasmine had a strong background in business, she craved the opportunity to enter the workforce and gain real-world experience while continuing her education. This led her to search for local apprenticeships, eventually finding a Level 4 PR and Communications apprenticeship. “I went on the government website, and from there, I found the Level 4 PR and Comms apprenticeship,” she explained.

The ability to earn while learning was a major appeal for Jasmine. “You can earn money and a qualification at the same time. That was a big draw,” she recalled. She initially began her apprenticeship with a different employer, but after facing challenges there, she made the decision to transition to JGA. With her new placement at JGA conveniently located just a five-minute walk from home, Jasmine embarked on the next phase of her apprenticeship journey.

During her apprenticeship, Jasmine quickly realised the immense value of learning on the job while receiving the support of industry professionals. “Every single day, I was applying knowledge that I learned from JGA and my apprenticeship,” she said, adding, “This experience was far removed from traditional education. It teaches you things you’d never encounter in a classroom.”

The support Jasmine received throughout her apprenticeship, especially after transitioning to JGA, was crucial to her success. “From the very start, I was always surrounded by support. After facing challenges in my first workplace, I moved to JGA, and that’s where I truly regained my confidence. Iain and Dan, my coach and tutor, were instrumental in helping me rebuild that confidence,” she shared.

One of the most transformative aspects of Jasmine’s apprenticeship was the discovery of new passions. A mock work-based project involving organising an event ignited a newfound interest in event management—a career path she had not previously considered. “Doing that project sparked my interest and even passion for events, which I didn’t know before,” she revealed.

This shift in focus led Jasmine to apply for a university course in live events and festival management, for which she received a conditional offer. Her apprenticeship even allowed her to skip the first year of university, entering directly into the second year. “Because of my apprenticeship, my prior knowledge boosts me up,” she explained.

Jasmine’s apprenticeship journey also significantly boosted her confidence. “My confidence improved so much. The support I received from the whole team after moving to JGA, especially Maria as my line manager, is the reason why I was able to get a distinction,” she added. This newfound self-assurance, combined with her practical experience, set her up for a successful PR and event management career.

Jasmine is a strong advocate for apprenticeships and encourages employers to consider them as a valuable addition to their teams. “I think having an apprentice brings such positive energy to the team,” she said. Her advice to employers is simple: “Do it. Go for it. You’re getting someone who’s learning important knowledge and already integrating into the team while also contributing.”

She also emphasised the value of apprenticeships for upskilling current staff. “If you have an existing staff member who wants to shift their role or develop higher skills, apprenticeships offer structured learning on the job. It’s a win-win.”

For those considering an apprenticeship, Jasmine offered the following advice: “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. Anyone can do an apprenticeship.” She encouraged individuals to explore the opportunities that apprenticeships provide, especially for those with specific learning needs. “You can learn while you earn, and you get life experiences and meet people you wouldn’t otherwise,” she added.

For current apprentices, Jasmine recommended making the most of every opportunity. “Take every opportunity and seek them out,” she advised, stressing the importance of being proactive and using the resources available through the apprenticeship programme. “Utilise everyone around you. They all have knowledge to share, and you can really benefit from it.”

Jasmine’s apprenticeship journey is a testament to the power of hands-on learning combined with robust support. From discovering a passion for event management to gaining the confidence needed to succeed in her career, Jasmine’s experience highlights the transformative potential of apprenticeships. Her achievement of a Distinction underscores the level of dedication and skill she brought to her role. For employers and future apprentices alike, her story demonstrates how apprenticeships can provide invaluable experience, open new career paths, and foster lasting personal growth.