Creative apprenticeships are great to place your feet firmly on the career ladder. However, if you’re undecided about becoming a graphic design apprentice, this post will provide guidance.

Requirements for graphic design apprenticeships

You will need five GCSEs at grades A to C. These must include English and maths or ICT.

In this field your portfolio is vital. You must prove you have web design skills. You may also be required to be familiar with software such as Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and HTML.

Graphic designers create visual branding such as brochures, magazines, adverts, product packaging, and displays. They are employed in a variety of places. You could be working in print or online, publishing, games design or marketing. It is varied work and each day will be different. You must have good multitasking skills.

 

What you’d be doing on the job

A typical day would see you:

  • Creating visual designs
  • Communicating with clients
  • Following briefs
  • Using digital media
  • Using the latest software
  • Planning budgets
  • Presenting ideas
  • Researching
  • Travelling to meet clients

 

Role specific attributes you need:

  • Attention to detail
  • Presentation skills
  • Budgeting skills
  • Willing to be flexible

 

This is a sector that’s constantly evolving so it’s necessary to keep on top of design trends and industry news.

 

Will an apprenticeship benefit me?

Apprenticeships are a great way of breaking into the creative sector. They give you the chance to combine training with real work experience. A targeted apprenticeship allows the opportunity to focus on a specific career path and goals.

Organisations of all sizes, big and small, offer apprenticeships. There is always the chance that you’ll be asked to stay on. To get your foot in the door at a young age and make beneficial connections that can be useful in the future is a great feat!

An apprenticeship provides you with valued work, but will also enhance your soft skills. Your confidence, communication and networking skills are all likely to improve as you embark upon this journey!

 

Let’s talk money!

The prospects career page for graphic designers states that a junior designer can expect to earn £15,000-£19,000 per annum.

A more experiences designer can receive £25,000-£35,000. A senior employee can make up to £55,000.

 

Working as a freelancer

If you decide to work for yourself, you can get a daily income of £200-£400.

 

Overall

The key thing to remember is that the wider your skillset, the more work will come your way, whether you’re freelance or part of an organisation. Due to the rapidly changing nature of this sector, designers must never stop learning and improving!

 

Further education

After your apprenticeship, you may decide to gain further qualifications. There are plenty of short courses available. Courses will usually involve a mixture of practical workshops and tutorials.

Your work will be assessed in a variety of ways – exams, coursework, presentations, and your portfolio. Shorter courses are a great way to expand your portfolio quickly. You will gain many transferable skills. In addition to an apprenticeship, short courses will provide your CV with a healthy boost.

Your tutors will likely be specialists in the graphic design field and can provide valuable connections and work experience.

We hope this post has given you much inspiration! However, for a more detailed article on what graphic designers do all day, take a look at this information piece on the career of a graphic designer.