Access Planner Review

I am now an Access Planner for Virgin Media in North East London. In a nut shell i plan multiple elements of a business install, this may include calculating costs, deciding which equipment to install and working out any problems along the way. Processes, systems and equipment are always changing and it can be a challenge to keep up. There is a mixture between working on your own to meet deadlines and working as part of a team to stay ahead of the game.

This apprenticeship has added some welcomed certifcates to my CV and my over all time here has been a character growing experience. You meet a range a people from all over the business who have a positive outlook on the apprenticship and in my experience everyone has been approachable and friendly although at first not many people seemed to be aware who we were. There is a lot to learn and that will always be the case in this business.

The experience as a whole was very enjoyable. The people are very friendly and are happy to help. There are a lot of perks across the business, there are discounts on all different things and a great pension and share saving scheme to make you rmoney go further. The apprentice was really fun to be a part of, the only down side was that from time to time there may have been some poor communication as at first no one (including my future manager) knew about me or the apprenticeship scheme at all, so there were some time where i could have felt a little lost.

All of the teams i have worked in have been friendly and welcoming. It feels great to be apart of Virgin as a brand.

This was the only down side. we were the first apprentices in this job and so you could tell it was all a bit new to Virgin Media, there were times where you felt at a loose end and was unsure of what to do. That being said, the manger of the apprenticeship is always very approachable and has done a great job at helping with any problems considering that it was new to him too. A fair chunk of it was a 'see how we go' approach.

Our manager was great, very friendly and relaxed which made him easy to talk to when you needed some guidance. We had weekly calls as a group, occational meet ups and you always have his number to ring at any time which is great.

My new manager is also fantasic, again very approachable and has structured my learning in a way that allows it to continue in the future. i have been paired up with mentors who although are often busy, they are always happy to help and have given me a great sense of being part of the team.

Travel expenses that involve you attending meetings are all covered. The salary is great to start on and gets better and better over time.

This depends mostly on your individual team. We have a team event which might be something like archery a few times a year. I have personally arranged 5-a-side football with some of the people in my office from across mutliple teams, we play every week and its a great way to make friends outside of your team.

Yes

Overall it was great and i feel very lucky to have had this experience, i feel that it has given me the best start possible to the working world. You continue to grow as a person, the money is good, and the certificates pile up.

Go for it! any down side i have mentioned were mostly due to the apprenticeship being new, the road has now been laid and the whole thing will only get better. Its been a fantasic experience overall. Relax and enjoy it because you wont be shot for making a mistake and everyone is in the same boat so its easy to make friends and ask questions.