Two members of Welford Road staff celebrated completing the first year of their two-year digital apprenticeship with Leicester Tigers.

Basmah Patel, 20, and Jessica Holland, 22 both from Leicester, work in the marketing department at the home of Tigers and this year graduated the first part of their course gaining higher education qualifications in digital marketing and social media.

The pair will now continue their final apprenticeship year at Tigers with a view to completing Level 4 which offers the equivalent qualifications to a university foundation degree.

Basmah and Jess were invited to attend a graduation day at De Monfort Hall and shared how Welford Road was helping to develop their careers.

Basmah, who works as an artworker and print coordinator, said: “I was looking for an apprenticeship as I didn’t want to go to university and through a third-party company was invited for an interview at Leicester Tigers.  I had heard of Tigers, but had never watched rugby so didn’t know too much – but all that has changed in my time here.

"In my role, I create artwork for posters, flyers, signage, printwork and digital media. I’ve really enjoyed my time at Tigers and would not have gained as much experience anywhere else."

Jess, who is a digital media assistant at Tigers, added: “I studied media and photography at college and knew that an apprenticeship was what I wanted to do. I was told about the opportunity at Tigers and jumped at the chance. I wasn’t big into rugby but now it’s my number one sport!”

“In my time at Welford Road, I was lucky enough to get involved with the new website launch which was challenging but great to be a part of. I’ve started from scratch really and everything I’ve learnt about web design, coding, video, email marketing has been on-the-job, so a fantastic way of building my skills. 

A huge congratulations to the girls for graduating their first year from the club. To find out more about a career with Tigers, visit below.