Network Designer Review

I have been allocated a customer, I participate to weekly calls with the technical team and with the project manager and customer service team, where we discuss the projects that are ready to be deployed and those projects are initially peer-reviewed on a Thursday with the technical team, where we can spot or enhance configuration, to maintain the reliability of the customer network. Personally, I have also been allocated the compliance section between the account and BT.

I have learned a lot of skills, as my background was initially in hospitality, sales and learning and development. Now working in IT, I have learned many skills, and enhanced previous ones, such as communication with stakeholder, presentation and others. I have learned about devices communication, configuration, security and privacy protection of devices.

I do admit that sometimes it is tough to do university assignments, alongside the workload that has been assigned at work and at the same time achieve the certification that are needed to perform better at my current role. However, this challenge was recognised and accepted a while ago, and with dedication this can be achieved and be rewardfull later on.

The programme has a certain structure and can be challenging at times, it is a continuous learning and developing of skills. it consists of 3/4 month learning and 2 weeks break in between, with the addition of bank holidays. Sometimes, the workload can be challenging and it might clash with the university modules, however with a proper structure and shift of time management, can be easily achieved.

My employer it has more than supportive, it recognises that sometimes the workload is too much and provides me additional support, such as working from home or reducing the working hours for that specific day, which can be recovered in another day by working extra time. A very important factor in this ever changing flexible word, where flexibility it is the key for a happy work environment.

The provider has been also very supportive, by scheduling reoccurring meetings to check the progress of certain learning, by providing additional resources to enhance the learning and by being available when time is needed. The learning provider has multiple times shifted times to maintain harmony between the group and being very understanding when some problems or issues have occurred.

Knowledge is something that is in continuos development, as technology keep advancing, therefore we need to keep up with those changes, all the knowledge that I have acquired from the learning provider has initially helped me understand certain topics not very well-known to me, additionally, this knowledge has increased exponentially as I was starting to work in certain project and continuing the learning at the university.

I have participated in various volunteering events at certain schools to promote apprenticeships, speaking about the advantages and challenges of a degree apprenticeship. also, I have joined various networking groups with other apprentices and integrated with the technical design team, by doing various activities together to boost the team morale and by integrating in a proper network team.

Yes

My experience has been challenging but at the same time rewarding, it has been a lot of ups and downs, however, I knew where I wanted to shift my career, after working in various sectors, such as hospitality, sales, customer service and learning and development. Therefore, I knew that this path would have to take a few steps back in my personal career, to then have the chance to jump forward.

Do your research properly, different trainer providers will offer different schedules, if you are interested in learning on the job, while studying and dedicating time to do so, in a supportive and friendly environment then an apprenticeship would be for you, especially at BT, However, if you would like to experience the university life and then seek for a job after the degree, while having part-time jobs to support, then the university might be the right path.