Data Services Apprentice Review

I am a Data services apprentice, a large part of my role involves developing my knowledge of networks and networking equipment; mainly Cisco routing and switching. I am studying for both Cisco qualifications (CCNA & CCNP) as well as completing a HNC. My daily tasks include attending a variety of projects and installs with my mentor or other members of my team in order to gain an understanding of the types of products we offer to customers, both standard and bespoke. As well as attending installs I am also responsible for organising my own diary and learning plan as the CCNA and HNC are all self study, as part of this myself and the other apprentices from Data Services are building a large network of our own to incorporate as many of the skills and products we have learned about.

So far I have achieved my CCNA (Cisco certified network associate) qualification, this is an industry standard qualification which is vital if I am to continue to work as a systems engineer. In addition to this I am about half way through my HNC and am looking to have this completed by March 2014. As well as recognised qualifications there are a number of skills I have been able to develop; I have attended many meetings at all stages of an install with customers so I have been able to develop my communication skills and been able to build self confidence as a result of this. Also, I have given a number of presentations throughout my apprenticeship, one of which that was to the entire department at our national team meeting day so my presentation skills have greatly improved. The role has also helped me to take responsibility for my own diary, in this role you need to be organised as keep a constant check on where and when you need to be at installs and meetings as well as completing a number of important administrative tasks each week.

This is my second apprenticeship at Virgin Media, initially I completed a level two apprenticeship to become a residential field service engineer and the fact that I wanted to go for another apprenticeship within the company shows how valuable and enjoyable an experience they are. They are a great company to work for, the culture within the organisation is one of hard work but also making sure you have fun while doing it, it's a great place to begin your career. My team and all the other regional Data Services teams are fantastic, everybody is willing to offer you their time to help with training and everyone is willing to explain what they are working on and how it works. Also the support of a great mentor helps to keep motivated and keep working hard and their experience is something worth learning from.

Great company to work for, we have an internal 'shout' system whereby if someone has helped you out you can send them a thank you message that their boss will also see. I've been lucky enough to have been involved in a number of interesting projects as well as a number of events hosted by the ITP (institute of telecomms professionals). I feel valued by the company as they have put a lot of trust in us for this apprenticeship, a lot of our learning is up to us to organise as this role requires us to be flexible and the pay is excellent for an apprenticeship.

This is the first time the data services apprenticeship has been run so the learning/training structure is still being perfected however, they are willing to listen to our feedback and we are also allowed to organise our own training sessions hosted by experienced engineers within our teams and this is turning out to be an excellent training programme which was are all managing to learn a lot from because we are using the years of knowledge from engineers currently doing the job to help with our training. The mentoring system is brilliant, we have all be paired with mentors who are at the higher positions within the teams and as a result we get to see a more hollistic view of all the products and services we offer as a company. Also, being paired up with a mentor who is at consultant level gives you the aspiration to get to that level as you admire the level of knowledge they have developed.

We don't have formal tutors however we have monthly training sessions with experienced engineers working in our teams, each of them has certain specialisations within their role which they train us in so as we can gain an understanding of all the products the company offers. Mentors are there to offer support, they will always make time to help you whenever you need. As well as this any other engineer within the department is always willing to help or invite you along to shadow them on an install they think may be of interest to you.

Mentor is always willing to support in training and organising you diary to ensure you know what you need to cover off to get to see as many different aspects of the role as possible. As this is the first time the apprenticeship has been run, my manager is especially keen to hear feedback and understand any requirements we need to do the job or that would help us learn.

Excellent pay with payrise after 12 months for making sufficient progress on qualifications. Company car with personal use (you pay tax on this per month plus personal mileage costs). There are some costs involved in the role (parking, meals out while working away etc) but these are reinmbursable. Generally engineers are home based with jobs on average being 1-2 hours away but you are supplied with a company car

There are regular team events which usually consist of a team meeting followed by a meal out/go karting/skiing etc in the evening. We get the chance each year to take a volunteer day and a charity day which involves doing something as a team to go out and help the local community, past events have included decorating a nursing home. There are a few sports events, football/cricket tournaments throughout the company. As well as this there are a number of times (usually during national apprenticeship week in march) where we get to go to various events around the country to promote apprenticeships and meet with other apprentices/company bosses/politicians etc.

Yes

Once you start your apprenticeship for Virgin you will not want to leave. It's a great company to work for, its hard work but it's great fun as well. There is a vast amount to learn and it is a great place to start to build a fantastic career in telecomms. The pay is great and there are some great benefits you get as well.

Be honest, be yourself. Open days are understandably a bit nerve wracking but they are actually quite enjoyable. The interview isn't too formal, it's best to just take your time when you answer the questions and use real experiences as examples when you answer questions. Experience isn't an essential as it's an apprenticeship but you need to be willing to learn and adapt to new ideas, you will always be learning and developing your skills in this job. Read the job description thoroughly and make sure you understand what would be expected of you even you don't understand all the technical content. Be honest about how much you know, if you give a presentation put the effort and study time into it but don't think making it sound complicated will make you look good, it won't. It's better to understand the information you are presenting, nobody expects an expert it's an apprenticeship. You need to demonstrate you have the ability to learn, not that you are already an expert.