A STUDENT who could barely speak English when she moved to Darlington from her home in Romania is celebrating after completing her apprenticeship and walking straight into a job.
Darlington College apprentice Alina Badin successfully completed her Level 3 content creator apprenticeship and was immediately offered a contract by Hubspoke Media which had been involved in her training.
For the past 18 months the 20-year-old, originally from Bucharest, has spent one day at Darlington College and four days with Hubspoke Media learning her craft.
This involved working with public and private sector clients on a host of projects including TV advertising, graphic design, video production, photography, podcasts, website design, social media posts and editing.
Alina came to Darlington aged 13 with her parents and brother. She attended St Aidan’s Academy before studying A levels in business and graphic design and media at college.
“I wasn’t sure what to do but was advised to look at apprenticeships related to my A levels,” she recalled. “The Darlington College/Hubspoke apprenticeship was the first I found and it fitted with everything I had done.
“I love learning and Hubspoke Media has developed a lot since I started with it – for instance, we have just opened a podcast studio – so there is always something new to learn or try.
“I do feel I have come a long way since I arrived at 13 with minimal English. School was hard at first but by the end of it I was top of the class. After my A levels I wanted to work and didn’t fancy accruing student debt at university. Darlington College has been very supportive and I would certainly recommend the apprenticeship route.”
Hubspoke Media managing director Adam Walker said: “We work with Darlington College and I like the fact that we are here at Business Central and they are just across the way. I was very keen to support the apprenticeship programme.
“Right from her interview for the position Alina was head and shoulders above other candidates and we now refer to her as our ‘editor in chief’ as she has become the guiding hand for our video projects.
“In terms of value to the business the apprenticeship has been massive. We deliberately didn’t ask her to make the tea so she immediately felt valued and valuable. She has not only completed the formal study but now has considerable experience as well.”
Darlington College’s marketing and engagement manager Claire Hankey added: “Alina is the perfect example of how apprenticeships serve perfectly the needs of students and businesses.
I’m thrilled she has flourished at both college and at Hubspoke Media and I’m delighted she has secured such an exciting job.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.
