We’ve charted Josh Cockburn’s journey into the world of work since he started working for EDB design firm AS Design in 2022 at just 15.
In just three-and-a-half years, Josh has gone from “Nathan’s little brother” to the work experience lad, to part time worker, to budding entrepreneur and becoming and integral part of the AS Design team.
We chatted to Josh about what he’s learned, what he’s up to now and what the future holds for him.
EDB: What can you remember about your first day at work? JC: It was work experience during the summer holidays. My brother Nathan had worked for AS Design for a few months and got me a week’s placement. I can remember my first day and not knowing what to expect. Alan, who owns the business, pretty much let Nathan look after me.
EDB: So what happened at the end of the work experience week? JC: I got a red envelope with £50 in and it was the most money I’d ever held in my hands. Alan asked me if I wanted to come back for a second week, and said if that goes well I could have a summer job. So I did.
EDB: But you ended up staying? JC: Yeah, we joke about it all the time, but every time Alan felt there was a natural point to call it a day – go back to being a school kid or enjoying my sports more etc – I just kept on wanting to stay. We call them the many chapters of Josh!
EDB: So in August you turned 19 and celebrated your third work anniversary, what’s different today? JC: Literally everything. When I started, I was counting stock and packing orders for AS Design sister company MyMerch. I went from that to helping Alan and Nathan with social media and then when I eventually left school and was about to start uni I went full time in the main business as Junior Digital Marketing Specialist. Another year later and I’m doing so much more and my role is now Creative Designer & Developer. I feel like a proper member of the team now.
EDB: And I bet life has changed too? JC: Definitely yeah, I’ve got my own car, I lived away from home for a year but now I’m back but working hybrid so I can be flexible around uni. And my girlfriend moved to uni in London so I’m up and down the country lots and I love driving.
EDB: Haven’t some of your “chapters” involved your own business ventures? JC: Yeah three of them! In 2023 I launched a website selling tech gadgets we imported from China. Last year I was buying and selling on Vinted and Depop, and this year I got more serious about business and launched a car valeting venture. It’s called NMB Detailing and I designed my own logo, built the website, organised merchandise and marketing materials and got my first bookings from family and friends, but as soon as I started posting on socials I was getting bookings from people I don’t know, then referrals and repeat work.
EDB: So what’s the next chapter? JC: I want to develop my skills even more and help grow the business over the next three years while at uni. I’m studying Computer Science so I feel like I can learn skills there that benefit work, and the other way around as well. I’ll probably keep on launching new ventures because I really enjoy it and it helps me learn and make extra money along the way which is helpful when you’re a student.