Why studying at university is NEVER a barrier to beginning an apprenticeship
Posted on: 31st Jul 2025
Apprenticeships 
A university graduate who turned to an apprenticeship to start his dream career as a content creator in football hopes his story can debunk assumptions about vocational qualifications.
Wills Hatton started a Level 3 Content Creator apprenticeship months after graduating from the University of Buckingham with a degree in digital news and media by accepting a role at National League South club Oxford City FC.
The 26-year-old combines practical and written assignments with responsibilities such as assisting the Hoops’ social media output, video, photography and match reporting while also representing the club’s sister organisations Ignite Training, Ignite Sport and Velocity Football.
With almost half of apprenticeship starters in the UK (48.4 per cent) aged 25 or older, Wills believes more university graduates looking to get their foot in the door of a career which interests them or change careers can take advantage of apprenticeship opportunities.
“A lot of people assume studying at university means there is no requirement or need to begin an apprenticeship when you graduate,” said Wills. “From my experience, I couldn’t disagree more.
“Studying at university and working as an apprentice are two completely separate learning styles.
“My apprenticeship feels personal, it’s one-to-one. Interacting daily with colleagues in a professional environment who hold different roles has really opened my eyes and my learning is tailored around those core skills I developed at university.
“Learning from different people and having the opportunity to build my contacts while getting my foot in the door of an industry I want to make my career really appealed to me.
“An apprenticeship has been the perfect bridge between leaving university and entering the real world. My assignments are typically done on the job, so I’m not rooted to my desk handing in what feels like homework which I enjoy.”
Delivered by Ignite Training, the Level 3 Content Creator apprenticeship covers topics including social media, copy writing, content creation, video production, photography and media relations.
Learners develop key skills which can be applied directly to their roles across various formats with businesses using the programme to either upskill existing employees at no cost or bring in fresh talent with new ideas.
Wills’ route to joining Oxford City FC was prompted by a video he created in partnership with the club as part of a university project.
“Like most young people my options were open growing up,” said Wills. “I lived in Australia for six months where I played cricket semi-professionally before beginning a scholarship at Loughborough University to play hockey.
“Then I worked as a landscaper before enrolling onto university where I had every intention of becoming a journalist.
“I created a film with help from Oxford City FC about the abuse non-league goalkeepers receive which I enjoyed and that’s where my passion for content creation was sparked.
“I want to do something which I enjoy, so an apprenticeship is my way of learning from those I work with, developing key skills and bringing fresh ideas and knowledge to the club I represent.”
Further information about Ignite Training’s Level 3 Content Creator apprenticeship is available online via www.ignitetraininguk.com/what-we-do.
