PPG’s newest apprentice Madison Whyard

I'm not usually one to talk about myself, but since it's National Apprenticeship Week, I felt it was important to share my story.

I got a BA (Hons) degree in Fashion Communication & Promotion at NUA in 2023, and never thought I would then be doing an apprenticeship, let alone in the automotive refinish industry - this was not a part of my plan, but when does life ever go as planned?

I knew I wanted a creative career ideally utilising my degree in some way, but creative jobs in East Anglia seem to be few and far between, and applying for jobs is tough, as I'm sure many of us know all too well. Some saw my 'Fashion' degree or my lack of experience and dismissed me, while others advertised 'entry-level' positions that required two years of industry experience.

However, PPG Refinish UK & Ireland received my CV and saw my potential not my lack of industry experience, they saw the diverse skills I developed at university not the first word of my degree. So they offered me a job opportunity to be a Marketing Apprentice, and with the support of an apprenticeship company, I am now pursuing a Level 4 Marketing Executive Apprenticeship alongside my role at PPG. I will forever be grateful to PPG for making this possible and taking a chance on this university graduate, with only a Fashion Communication & Promotion Degree and waitress experience.

I am so glad I did not let the idea of applying for an apprenticeship after completing a degree hold me back. Something that is often never mentioned and never occurs to people is that you can in fact do an apprenticeship after university. They are not just for those who decided university was not for them, or those aiming for a skilled manual job to become an engineer, mechanic or vehicle repair technician. Apprenticeships are available to anyone and everyone who believes that they can benefit their career. The knowledge, skills and even confidence I have gained from my apprenticeship with PPG Refinish have been invaluable. I even had the chance to experience what it is like to be a Bodyshop vehicle repair technician and attempt a spray-out card (with the assistance of our Training Manager, Chris Hay). I think it is safe to say I will leave the refinishing to the professionals and Bodyshop apprentices, while I stick to my marketing apprenticeship. 

Six months into this job, PPG has provided me with more opportunities than I ever thought were possible at this point in my career journey. I have been given the chance to visit Silverstone (the home of British racing), St George's Park (the home of English Football) and even Dublin (the home of Guinness). I have the privilege to work alongside supportive and inspiring people everyday, and work with the best team. I hand on heart love every aspect of my position with PPG Refinish and would without a doubt recommend apprenticeships.

My point is if there is an industry or job you are passionate about there will be an apprenticeship in it. Whether or not you have industry experience, a degree or maybe just left school, it does not limit you at all, as apprenticeships are available at all different levels. I promise applying for apprenticeships is worth it. You will be able to network, gain skills, knowledge and experience all at the same time. While I loved my time at university and would not change my degree, my apprenticeship is unmatched. I am excited to learn more from my apprenticeship and colleagues at PPG, but I'm even more excited to see where my apprenticeship will take my career.