National Apprenticeship Week 2026: Turning Study Into Impact
As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we’re shining a light on the apprentices who began their careers at Carpenters Group through alternative pathways. One of them is Freya Schumann, who joined the Brand, Marketing and Communications Team as a Marketing Assistant Apprentice before securing a permanent role in 2024.
Freya completed the CIM Level 3 Marketing Assistant Apprenticeship, an 18-month online programme that blends structured study with hands on workplace experience. For Freya, choosing an apprenticeship over a traditional university route felt natural.
“I wanted real, practical experience alongside my qualification and university just didn’t feel like the right fit for me.”
In her first few months, her role focused heavily on learning how the team operated. She spent time shadowing colleagues, taking in processes and systems, and getting used to expectations within a fast-paced marketing environment. Alongside this, she had a dedicated study day each week, which helped her balance coursework with the demands of a full-time role. This structure became the foundation of the organisational skills she now uses every day.
As her confidence grew, so did her responsibilities. The more she learnt in her online lessons, the more she was able to apply directly to her work. Soon she was taking on additional tasks, contributing independently, and playing a more active role within the department.
“The apprenticeship helped me build my confidence and skills at the same time. By the end of it, I felt prepared for the next step.”
Support was a big part of her journey. Freya credits her manager and the wider marketing team for creating an environment where asking questions never felt daunting.
“I always felt comfortable approaching my colleagues. My manager regularly checked in on my college work and was always happy to help. I felt lucky to be part of such a supportive team.”
The culture at Carpenters Group also shaped her experience. From internal activities and charity events to a lively internal social platform, the sense of community helped her settle into working life. It’s something she believes makes the business a great place for early careers talent.
Now working in a permanent role in the Brand, Marketing and Communications team, Freya can clearly see the impact of her apprenticeship. It gave her a strong grounding in both technical marketing knowledge and the realities of working within a busy communications function. Most importantly, it helped her take those first steps into a career she enjoys.
Her message to anyone thinking about applying for an apprenticeship at Carpenters Group this year is simple:
“Go for it. You’ll gain real experience, a recognised qualification, and join a workplace that genuinely wants you to succeed.”
Freya’s journey shows the value of apprenticeships in helping people break into their chosen profession with confidence and clarity. We’re proud to support her and all our apprentices as they continue to learn and contribute to our teams across the business.
