Read Time: Approx. 2 Minutes 30 Seconds 
Author: Dave Trolle 
At Customer First Digital, we believe in fostering talent and offering real opportunities for personal and professional growth. As part of our ongoing commitment to skills development, we have proudly supported apprentices through structured training, mentorship, and hands-on experience. 

Our Apprenticeship Journey So Far 

Since 2022, we have partnered with Hull College, welcoming several apprentices into our team, giving them the chance to build meaningful careers in digital marketing and eCommerce. From day one, they were immersed in real projects that allowed them to learn by doing, supported by the team to guide them through their learning journey. 
 
We’ve provided access to relevant training resources, industry-standard tools, all aimed at ensuring that our apprentices grow their skills and succeed. We’re proud to have created an environment where apprentices can contribute to our ongoing success while also building their own future careers. 

Why We Support Apprenticeships 

Our commitment to apprenticeships stems from our core belief that investing in the next generation is vital to the future of our industry. By supporting apprentices, we’re not only helping them achieve their potential but also bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas into the business. Apprenticeships allow us to contribute to a more inclusive workforce, helping to ensure that young people, regardless of background, have the chance to thrive in the digital space. 
 
We also know that apprenticeships help to close the skills gap. With the fast-paced growth of digital technologies, we believe that nurturing talent from the ground up is key to sustaining innovation and driving progress within our industry. 

How Our Appprentices Have Excelled 

We’re incredibly proud of the impact our apprentices have had. The feedback from apprentices has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the support they’ve received, the diverse range of projects they have worked on, and the opportunities for personal and professional development. 
 
Lewis Stretton: 
 
Lewis was our first apprentice, joining Customer First Digital as a Digital Marketing Apprentice in July 2022 and has since achieved significant milestones. He completed his Digital Marketing Apprenticeship with distinction and was nominated for the Hull College Digital & Creative Apprentice of the Year award. He now works across several of our partners, demonstrating his knowledge and expertise including luxury skincare brand Decree and award-winning pie and pasty makers Chunk of Devon and Baked to Taste. Beyond his professional achievements, Lewis has been an active participant in team activities, including social events and charity challenges. Further information can be found in Lewis’ 2 year milestone blog
 
Joe Weatherill: 
 
Joe started his Digital Marketing Apprenticeship with Customer First Digital in 2024 and has made considerable progress in his role. In his first six months, he has developed both technical and professional skills, contributing to various projects and initiatives across several areas. Joe also worked closely with Dave to launch Customer First Digitals’ first LinkedIn marketing. Joe has also been involved in fundraising efforts, including participating in charity events to support causes like the Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust. Recently we found out that like Lewis, Joe has been shortlisted for the Hull College Future Stars Digital & Creative Apprentice of the Year award. 
Further information can be found in Joe’s first 6 months blog

Looking Ahead ... 2025 and Beyond 

As National Apprenticeship Week approaches, we are excited to continue offering opportunities for young people to join us and shape the future of the digital world. We are committed to developing more apprenticeship programs that reflect the changing landscape of the industry and provide pathways for a new generation of talent. We are equally excited to see how Joe fairs at the Hull College 2025 Future Stars Award… good luck Joe! 
 
Dave Trolle, founder of Customer First Digital says… ‘We are committed as a business to continue investing in apprenticeships. Whilst the apprenticeship route was an unknown for us back in 2022, apprentices have played a vital role in where we are today and we wouldn’t be where we are today without them. As a team we are proud of all the apprentices' achievements and the value that they have brought, and we look forward to supporting Joe with the completion of his apprenticeship.’ 
 
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