Digital Designer Review
at Historic Royal Palaces
Degree Apprenticeship
Graphic Design, Marketing
London
Review Submitted: January 2026
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
As a Digital Design Apprentice based at the Tower of London, I help create a variety of digital content for Historic Royal Palaces. Most days I work on designing social media assets, adapting artwork for different campaigns, and putting together visuals that support both online and on-site activity. I collaborate closely with my team, share ideas, and refine designs based on feedback so everything feels consistent with our brand.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
So far, I’m really enjoying my programme. I like being able to learn new design skills while applying them to real work, and I feel I’m growing a lot as a designer.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I’ve learnt a lot of new skills since starting my programme. I wasn’t very familiar with most of the Adobe software before, as I’d only used a few of them briefly in college. I’ve definitely improved and feel much more confident using tools like Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.
I’ve also picked up other useful skills, like working with brand guidelines, managing my workload, taking feedback on board and working with my team on different projects. Overall, I can see a clear improvement in both my design skills and confidence.
I’ve also picked up other useful skills, like working with brand guidelines, managing my workload, taking feedback on board and working with my team on different projects. Overall, I can see a clear improvement in both my design skills and confidence.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
My programme is well organised and structured. I always know what I’m working towards, and the mix of on‑the‑job learning and taught sessions works well for me.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a good amount of support from my employer. There’s always someone I can go to if I need help, and I’ve been encouraged to ask questions and learn as I go. I also have regular check‑ins and guidance that help me stay on track with my apprenticeship. Overall, I feel supported both by my team and the organisation.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I get a good level of support from my training provider. The sessions are clear, and I can always ask questions if I’m unsure about anything. The feedback I receive is helpful and makes it easier for me to understand what I need to work on. Overall, I feel supported while working towards my qualification.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I feel that my qualification supports my role quite well. A lot of what I learn in my training sessions links to the work I do day to day, and it helps me understand the design process more clearly. It’s also helping me build confidence with industry tools and giving me a better understanding of how to approach tasks in a more professional way.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There are many extra‑curricular activities at HRP. There are social events, apprentice meet‑ups, and chances to connect with people across different teams. It’s a good way to get involved and meet others outside of my usual work.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Historic Royal Palaces to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Yes, I would 100 percent recommend Historic Royal Palaces to a friend. I’m genuinely so grateful for the opportunity to work with such an amazing and inspiring organisation, and it’s been a really positive start to my career in the creative industry. From day one, everyone has been friendly and kind, which made settling in feel easy and welcoming. It’s such a unique place to work, especially because you’re surrounded by so much history every day. It makes the job feel special, and you really feel like what you’re doing has an impact. I’ve been able to grow my design skills, build up my confidence, and take part in projects that actually mean something to me. I’ve also had a lot of support along the way, which has made learning and developing feel much more enjoyable. Overall, it’s a place where you can genuinely grow and feel proud of the work you do.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Historic Royal Palaces?
My advice would be to just be yourself and trust that your personality and potential are enough. HRP is a really welcoming place, and they’re not expecting you to know everything from day one. They want people who are open to learning and excited to grow. Starting somewhere new can feel a bit scary at first, but that’s completely normal; It gets easier as you settle in. Be honest, be curious, and don’t be afraid to show what genuinely interests you. If you stay true to who you are, you’ll naturally shine!
