Today we are sharing the fantastic nomination from Matt Bemment, (Senior Communications Officer at Brighton and Sussex Medical School) for Learner of the Year at the recent Brighton and Hove Citywide Skills Celebration for Alice Ellis (Digital Coordinator and Research Project Officer) who achieved a Distinction in her Content Creator apprenticeship.
Alice Ellis is an exceptional candidate for this award, having demonstrated outstanding determination, creativity and professional growth throughout her Level 3 Content Creator Apprenticeship at BSMS. Successfully achieving an overall Distinction in her End-Point Assessment, Alice has translated learning into tangible organisational impact and secured a permanent role within the BSMS Communications team as a direct result of her achievement. Alice approached her apprenticeship with remarkable commitment and enthusiasm. Balancing her existing role within Global Health and Infection alongside the demands of the programme, she consistently delivered high-quality digital campaigns, video content, website updates and social media outputs that elevated the visibility of BSMS research and student experience. Her EPA feedback highlighted her leadership in coordinating colleagues, managing time pressures and delivering strategic, data-informed campaigns aligned with organisational objectives.
What sets Alice apart is not only her technical capability but her professionalism and reflective practice. She demonstrated confident application of GDPR, copyright, safeguarding and accessibility standards, embedding equality, diversity and inclusion across her work. Her use of analytics, SEO and audience insight to evaluate impact reflects a maturity well beyond apprenticeship level.
Alice’s career journey illustrates significant distance travelled. Originally building her career in the film and television industry, she pivoted into higher education communications and proactively sought formal training to strengthen her digital expertise. Rather than relying on prior creative experience, she committed to structured learning, embracing feedback and stretching herself into new platforms and strategic thinking. Her curiosity about emerging channels, including TikTok and algorithm-led engagement, demonstrates ongoing passion for learning and innovation.
Throughout the apprenticeship, Alice contributed to key developments at BSMS, including major event promotion, graduation video production, research communications and widening participation content. She has helped professionalise digital outputs, improve workflow processes and raise engagement across multiple platforms.
Alice embodies motivation, resilience and a genuine commitment to continuous improvement. Her successful transition into the BSMS Communications team is testament to both her personal growth and the impact of her work. She has not only completed an apprenticeship with distinction – she has transformed her career and strengthened the School’s digital communications capability in the process.
Alice’s journey is a powerful reminder that apprenticeships aren’t just about gaining a qualification—they’re about unlocking potential, building confidence, and creating new career pathways.
If you’ve ever thought about developing your digital skills, exploring AI, or taking your career in a new direction, why not take that first step? Opportunities like the AI Digital Marketing Level 3 programme offer a chance to future-proof your skills, gain hands-on experience, and make a real impact in your role. The next cohort starts in May
AI Digital Marketing Level 3 - Creative Process Digital
Multi-channel marketer / Skills England
If you’re considering an apprenticeship and want to explore what might be right for you, please do get in touch —staffapprenticeships@sussex.ac.uk