From Apprentice to Digital Content and Social Media Lead: Evie Blackburn’s Journey with The Juice Academy
Before joining The Juice Academy, Evie Blackburn had just finished college and was working in a part-time role with unpredictable hours. While she enjoyed the job and the people she worked with, she knew it wasn’t the long-term path she wanted. University didn’t feel like the right route either. What she did know was that she had a strong interest in social media and wanted to build a career in a creative industry.
​
After hearing about The Juice Academy, Evie applied for the Content Creator apprenticeship and secured her role with Manchester Youth Zone. Starting her career without direct experience in the field felt daunting at first, but the apprenticeship quickly gave her the structure, knowledge and confidence she needed to grow. Through the programme, she developed skills in areas such as brand awareness, editing, scheduling and copywriting, while learning directly from industry professionals and receiving support from the Juice Academy team.
​
The experience also helped Evie grow in confidence and build valuable industry connections. She represented Manchester Youth Zone during National Apprenticeship Week, volunteered at events such as the Made in Manchester Awards and the pro-Manchester Summer Social, and expanded her professional network through opportunities that came from the programme.
​
Today, Evie is the Digital Content and Social Media Lead at Manchester Youth Zone, where she manages social channels, creates and edits content, analyses engagement performance and supports the organisation’s website. Since completing her apprenticeship, she has achieved a Distinction, been promoted within her role and won Apprentice of the Year at the Made in Manchester Awards 2026, a reflection of how far she has progressed since starting her journey with The Juice Academy.
​
​
​
