Access Planning Apprentice Review

On a day to day basis we work on office based planning tasks completing pre-plans which involve creating instruction packs for surveyors and once results are returned complete the full planning tasks giving detailed instructions to the contractors and work out the costings with guidance from our personal mentor. We also have allocated study days to work on course work and revise Maths, English and ICT. We've also had the opportunity to go out in the field with surveyors on surveys and see our planning tasks actually taking place watching the contractors at work.

I have learnt a lot of new skills so far regarding the day to day role, for example how to plan civils and cable routes, how to use a number of different complex applications. I have also further developed my English, Maths and ICT skills as it has been a long time since I have had to do anything like that.

I find this programme very enjoyable, good office environment and everyone is friendly, understanding and willing to help if I have any issues with work.

Employees are always made to feel valued by Virgin Media with different praise systems where you can earn things such as gift vouchers or prizes, there is a "myrates" system where employees can get 50% off a virgin phone bill or TV and their own system called "Tribe" which always have great offers for employees which is updated monthly for things such as theme park tickets, travel, holidays, household appliances etc.

Good structure, had a great induction week on first week along with all other apprentices where we got opportunity to learn background on the company and an introduction to what our course would be about with different fun activities, then first couple months we had structured booklets to work through introducing us to all the new applications and process of jobs aswell as regular meetings with apprentice manager giving us tasks and deadlines and any help we may need. We've also had the opportunity to go out in field and see things from other side with people such as surveyors, PSE, transmission team etc.

Always receive constant help and support on a daily basis.

Manager always asks for updates and I am progressing.

Overall my salary is good for an apprenticeship but can find it a bit of a struggle sometimes being 25 and having so many different pay-outs each month, although after the apprenticeship there is quite a significant increase and for someone younger starting out in their career it is a very generous wage.

There is always opportunities outside of work, we have been for team breakfast, team nights out have been organised and other events along similar lines.

Yes

A great company that look after their staff with so many great offers and opportunities and great learning structure put in place.

Be honest with what you already know and highlight great skills you feel you could bring to the team/company and show that you are eager and willing to learn something new.