Network Engineer Review

Network Engineer Apprentice. Daily tasks include maintenance to the network ensuring that all the levels are correct for each cab. Daily interactions with colleagues and customers which help me develop my day to day skills with dealing with other engineers and service techs and when dealing with customers at their houses. My current responsibilities are to maintain the network around the Oldham, Rochdale and Bury area. I also complete tasks such as Telco upgrades around Bolton and Blackburn.

I have learnt many new skills from being able to do a full install in a house to working on faults and doing upgrades on the network. I have completed health and safety training and fibre training. I have also been able to develop my customer services skills in having to deal with customers when turning up unannounced at their address.

I am really enjoying the programme and hope to learn a lot more in the next year. I have met some inspiring people who already work for the company, made many new friends within my team and also from the apprentice programme. It ha so far exceeded my expectations.

I feel very valued by Virgin Media. I have an excellent Manager who is always checking up on me making sure that I have everything that I need and that I'm not too overloaded with work. My Apprentice manager is the same, he values our opinions and makes us feel valued and always addresses our concerns.

The programme is organised some what well. I do feel however that there could be more communication between the trainers in Birmingham to our line managers. The training courses in Birmingham are very well organised and run. Our study days are well organised and we are informed well in advance of a change.

Training provider is employer so I receive a lot of support from all involved.

My manager is always making sure I am not doing too much field work to ensure that I have time to do my assignments but also makes sure that I am getting enough field work so I can develop my understanding of the network.

The salary is excellent for the apprenticeship. I am able to pay all my bills and still have plenty left over for myself. Travel costs are taken care of as I have a company van which is provided with a fuel card.

There is a whole range of opportunities outside of work. I have looked at a few of them and would be very interested in taking part in them in the near future. The job itself helps out massively to the things I was doing before I started here. I can now play football on Saturdays without having to worry about work and can now be more social with my friends and family because I am no longer working nights. I can honestly say that this job makes me extremely happy.

Yes

I believe it is a brilliant place to work and there a plenty of opportunities for development and plenty of support from the people around you.

Be honest, be confident but not cocky. Just enjoy everything they throw at you. Take part in everything and don't be scared of looking silly or stupid. Its not all about grades and qualifications but your personality as well.