'Hotcourses Apprentice of the Year' award
Good luck to apprentice Emma Hamilton who has been short-listed for the Hotcourses Apprentice of the Year award. Below you can read Emma's entry:
Emma Hamilton
Tresham College Of Further And Higher Education
BUSINESS / MANAGEMENT / OFFICE STUDIES
From starting my apprenticeship with Echo packaging at the age of 17, I have developed my skills and knowledge of the business industry where I am now able to work a corporate environment comfortably. Developing my skills and knowledge enables me to be the accounts manager for largest house accounts and trusted to develop new business, gaining at least 1 new customer per month. Learning the industry background and manufacturing process was difficult as it has its own unique set of jargon however starting from admin I absorbed the process and progressed quickly on to new and exciting prospects. Prior to my apprenticeship I had virtually no experience or knowledge of the packaging industry and now I am in a position where I am confident to lead customer client meetings and work closely with production to advise on best lead times that enables me to maintain good business relationships with Echo's customers. Before I began my apprenticeship, Echo Packaging's on-line presences was minimal with little maintenance of the social media. Therefore, through the use of Facebook, Twitter and Linked in, I have expanded Echo Packaging's presence so that we are constantly making new points of contact and gaining new business. The marketing side of my apprenticeship is enthused with new and exciting prospects. Echo Packaging recently exhibited at the National Trade Show where I was responsible for arranging the contract and designing the marketing materials. The marketing materials I created are new to Echo Packaging and have rapidly became a key part in contacting new potential business. The Brochures, samples and introductions letters I helped designed are now the main way the sales team inspire developing customers and a very successful. The Trade Show is where I used my sales skills and knowledge to reach out to new trade and develop my skills of face to face marketing and discussions. Being a team player is vital if you want to succeed in our industry. Communication and confidence is the most important things is terms of sales and marketing in the packaging industry, skills I have a developed through my 10 months of my apprenticeship and plan to continue to develop post education. Sales and marketing I consider a challenge in terms of developing customers and meeting targets however it will always push to me to the best of my ability as I thrive from working under pressure. Through our work of manufacturing plastic packaging it enables us to work closely with national and local charities for their use of promotional goods. This gave me the innovative idea of creating an office charity team which allows us to sponsor the Crazy Hats Breast Cancer Appeal on the 23rd March 2014 as well as participate and fundraise for the local charity. We are hopeful that we can continue to be involved in local charity event and give back to the community.Â
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