Before attending City Gateway, Tyreek was unsure about his future and struggling with a lack of opportunities due to Covid-19, but thanks to his remote work experience placement and the support he received from his tutors and coaches, Tyreek has now secured a Digital Social Media apprenticeship with the BBC. Here’s his story…

“Before City Gateway I had recently finished sixth form, and was arguing with myself – debating whether I should go on to university or apply for an apprenticeship. I didn’t want to go to university as I didn’t like the environment of school, but due to Covid it was a struggle for me to find an apprenticeship.

I was looking hard for an opportunity and kept applying for jobs and apprenticeships but because of Covid, they kept getting cancelled. Eventually, I found City Gateway. Covid was getting worse, there was nothing for me to do and I was sitting at home. Companies weren’t hiring anymore, but City Gateway was an opportunity that was there for me, and I wanted to take it. I felt it was a good programme to kick-start my journey into an apprenticeship or employment.”

“All the staff have been friendly and supportive. From the very start of my time with City Gateway, from the first conversation where they asked me all those fundamental questions like, what do you want to do?
It made me realise that I need to do a lot and make a lot of changes to get to where I want to be.”

“I joined the employability course and I started to understand that there are a lot of adjustments I can make to help me get there. I learned how to improve my CV and develop my own personal skills. Through practice interviews I realised I can develop and improve my confidence and communication skills to achieve that Apprenticeship.

I was accepted onto a work placement with NCDP in Digital Marketing. It was a new experience for me as I was able to understand a different type of job, and work in a fast-paced and competitive environment. We were all working and learning together in the same room, this was good because it made everyone work harder.”

“Through City Gateway I had the opportunity to get a job as a photographer for Trilogy Enterprise and be mentored by an experienced photographer.

I’ve also been able to apply lessons from the Digital Marketing work placement with NCDP to my own photography social media accounts, such as how to plan social media content, how to grow the correct audience and speak to them professionally.

But my big break was when City Gateway worked with the BBC on an apprenticeship opportunity, which my coaches encouraged me to apply for. I was successful in my application, so I am now a Digital Social Media apprentice at the BBC!”

“All of this has come about from one little opportunity that has grown so far.
To others thinking about joining I would say: make sure to take any opportunity that comes towards you!“

“I want to say a massive thank you to my coaches at City Gateway for giving me this opportunity, and to the BBC for taking me on as an apprentice.

I am looking forward to taking this as an opportunity to grow, and to be mentored by Junior at the BBC.

And thank you to all the City Gateway team for helping me achieve and supporting me throughout my journey.”