My Journey into Content Creation

I’m Evie, an 18 year old content creator apprentice based at Manchester Youth Zone.

I left college in June 2024, and I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to go in. Like many others in my position, I felt the need to follow the ‘traditional’ route: apply to university and get a degree, but I realised that path wasn’t for me. In October 2024, I decided to apply for an apprenticeship, and it’s turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made.

Why I Chose an Apprenticeship

In college, I studied psychology, sociology, and dance. During college, all I heard about was UCAS deadlines, personal statements, and non-stop university talk, so I decided to apply to Uni to study my favourite subject, psychology. I received my offers and sat my A-Levels, but during summer, I realised I didn’t want to go to university, it wasn’t the right path for me. I declined.

At this point, I was working a part-time job with irregular shifts and a lack of consistency. I loved my team and my role a lot, but I knew I wanted to start up my career soon, but I wasn’t sure what to do next. Without university, how would I gain qualifications?

Then I discovered The Juice Academy. I applied for a content creation apprenticeship and landed my role at Manchester Youth Zone. I’d always enjoyed posting on my own social media and creating bits of graphics and illustrations, but I didn’t realise I could turn it into a career! Now, not only am I learning about the world of social media, I’m getting paid to do something I love.

My experience at Manchester Youth Zone and The Juice Academy

I’m now part of an amazing team, working with talented young people and constantly growing in my role.

At Manchester Youth Zone, I’ve been given lots of support and guidance, as well as some amazing opportunities to capture on socials, like the MTV EMAs and the Manchester Ball. I’m lucky to learn alongside a great cohort at Juice, where we get hands-on experience whilst earning our qualifications.

If you’re thinking about taking on an apprentice, I can’t recommend it enough. You’re not just hiring someone, you’re giving them a chance to learn and grow in careers they may not of known were possible to pursue.

Evie Blackburn, Cohort 45 Content Creator Apprentice at Manchester Youth Zone