Penrith digital artist begins marketing apprenticeship at Inspira

Serena Sole, 19, who studied Fine Art at A-Level, developed her passion of art into an online business during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020.

This led to her deciding she wanted to work in marketing, and after completing her studies at Ullswater College in Penrith, she discovered skills charity Inspira.

An example of Serena's personal artwork (Image: Serena Sole)

Serena said: “I never knew the number of options available to me if I didn’t want to go to university after college.

“When I researched apprenticeships it was like something clicked for me. I knew it was what I wanted to do. I didn’t want to go to university and sit in a classroom for another three years, I was keen to start working and learning on the job.”

Serena, from Calthwaite, added: "I realised that marketing is what I wanted to get into as it’s so varied, and will allow me to develop different skills.

Another design by Serena (Image: Serena Sole)

“I found that Inspira was recruiting for a marketing apprenticeship so I applied straight away and started the job in October. I just knew it was the perfect choice for me.

“During my time with Inspira I have done web editing, copy writing, design work, and animation.”

Serena works at Inspira’s head office in Penrith and will begin a marketing course in the new year.

Michelle Wiggins, Inspira’s marketing communication lead, said: “Serena is a delightful addition to the team. She’s very enthusiastic and talented. We are so glad that she has chosen to take up an apprenticeship where we can teach her the practical skills in the office and she can learn about the theory at college.”

Inspira works with employers and a range of organisations across the north of England to solve local skills shortages, invest in young people and reduce unemployment in targeted areas.