Field technician (now Talent and Development Designer) Review

My original role was as a field service technician which included the install and servicing of equipment for residential customers of Virgin Media. I have now progressed to a Talent and Development Designer role and I am currently working on re-designing the induction programme for the non-apprentice new starter field technicians.

During my apprentiship I learnt a variety of new skills including all the technical skills required to do the job and also the behavioural customer service skills required to provide a great service. My apprentiship also encouraged me to develop myself after I had completed it and since then I have aquired Lean Sigma, Training Delivery and Training Design skills.

I enjoyed my programme a lot as it gave me the platform to start a great career within Virgin Media.

I feel very valued by my colleagues within Virgin Media. Although, having just gone through a re-structure I felt less valued by the company as I was put at risk in the process. I feel that having come from the apprentice background has stood me in great stead for the future within Virgin Media and I feel that the value of the apprentiship scheme is appreciated throughout the company.

As my programme was the first apprentiship programme ever ran within Virgin Media, It was evident that there were a few teething issues. Having stayed fairly close to the scheme over the last few years it is evident that they have learned a great deal from this and the current programme seems to be very well structured.

During my apprentiship I recieved an adequate amount of support from our external NVQ accreditors. It was sometimes difficult to arrange for observations as they were not always available. I understand that the NVQ assessing is now completed internally which I believe is the best way to go.

I recieved a good amount of support from my employer and i feel that once I got my head around the apprentiship and how best to complete my NVQ it was plane sailing.

As a young apprentice the salary matched my lifestyle well and was much higher than other apprentiships that I looked at. Since ending my apprentiship I have moved into different roles which have included salary increases so I am currently happy with my salary in regards to living costs etc.

There are some good opportunities outside of work such as football leagues and other leisure events. We also have a charity day each year which is a great opportunity to give something back. During my apprentiship I think it would have been good to meet up with the apprentice teams from other locations more often.

Yes

Because it is a great environment to work in, the less corporate feel within the company is welcomed and the brand is something to be proud of.

I would encourage people to be themselves at all points during the application process and to be prepared for their assesment days. I would recommend taking every opportunity that arises and throwing yourself into roles/tasks that take you out of your comfort zone.