Peterborough College Apprentice Wins Peterborough Telegraph Apprenticeship Award
Tom Sharman, Digital Marketing Apprentice of Peterborough College, part of Inspire Education Group (IEG), has been recognised in the Advanced Apprentice of the Year category at the Peterborough Telegraph Apprenticeship Awards 2023.

Having enjoyed Media Studies at school and later undertaking relevant work experience, Tom decided to pursue a career in marketing. He explained “I’d ignited my career aspirations, but then found myself in a prolonged internal debate about whether to pursue a university education, which my teachers fervently advocated for. I was strongly inclined to gain real-world experience, and the ‘earn while you learn’ mantra of apprenticeships completely overshadowed the university route”.
Determined to succeed, Tom went on to secure a Digital Marketing Apprenticeship with Peterborough College and the locally-based Chartered Institute of Credit Management, where he found himself involved in a range of tasks and responsibilities, “On any given day, I might find myself planning social media content for an entire week, and the next day, I could be immersed in the process of organising an event, or delving into the intricacies of SEO”. As described by his employer, Tom’s “thirst for knowledge” landed him both a Distinction Grade, and an internal promotion. Now a Senior Marketing Executive, Tom has used the skills acquired during his apprenticeship to implement an annual marketing strategy, and to participate in the launch of a new website.
Both Inspire Education Group and the Chartered Institute of Credit Management nominated Tom for the Peterborough Telegraph Advanced Apprentice of the Year Award, of which he was crowned the winner. His College tutor shared, “Tom has worked hard, demonstrating enthusiasm and a consistent high level of professionalism throughout his apprenticeship. He has shown determination to succeed in achieving the best grade possible, producing work of a very high standard”. Tom was delighted by the recognition, “Winning the Advanced Apprentice of the Year Award was an incredibly gratifying experience. I aspired to become someone who could genuinely claim to care about their work and perform exceptionally well. Even just being shortlisted for the award signified this for me, and winning it served as a reaffirmation of the inherent capabilities I possess. It’s a feeling I wouldn’t trade for anything else”.
Commending the apprenticeship route and the support he received from Inspire Education Group and his employer, Tom shared, “I firmly believe that choosing an apprenticeship over university allowed me to acquire a diverse set of skills that I might have missed out on otherwise. I believe it instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility, determination, and perseverance in pursuing my goals. If you’re contemplating an apprenticeship, then you should already be in the application process! When you come across an employer genuinely invested in upskilling their workforce, honing your professional skills, and paving the way for a long-lasting career, it’s the most logical path to choose. Plus, the support I received from my College tutor was invaluable, and I am convinced that I wouldn’t have successfully completed the apprenticeship without the College’s unwavering belief and the time they invested in me. There really is no downside to apprenticeships – it’s a win-win situation”.