Apprentice Access Field Technician Review

As an Apprentice Field Technician, my role involves visiting customers' houses and installing services and/or fixing faults. This includes interior and exterior work.

In this job I have passed various internal courses such as installation and service training and literacy and numeracy tests. I have also been trained in health and safety and the use of power tools e.g. drills. I have also developed my customer interaction skills through this job, along with learning a great deal about cable networks, signals and different pieces of equipment.

I enjoy my current role as I enjoy being part of a larger team. There is an equal balance between working independantly and with others, and I enjoy communicating with my colleagues on a professional and personal scale.

I feel greatly valued by Virgin Media; the managers are always eager to give feedback, whether it is praise or areas which I could improve upon. During team meetings in the past I have won vouchers for my contributions to discussions, and I think this is a good incentive for all employees.

Although my personal programme has been delayed slightly due to a late start date, the support and guidance I have been given has still been structured and organised. Managers make it clear what is expected of me task-wise, setting coursework targets for me regularly which allows me to stay focused and up-to-date. I have regular meetings with my manager to discuss my learning progress and appreciate the feedback I get from these.

On a daily basis I am paired with a mentor, who teaches me the practical aspects of the job and guides me through any issues I have whilst on-the-job, and on a larger scale my manager offers support with the theory-based learning throughout the apprenticeship. Both are attentive and ensure that I am comfortable and confident within my role.

Other areas of the business that I have had to deal with have also been helpful, such as during the recruitment process and whilst I was organising travel for training courses and uniform supplies.

My salary at the moment is ideal to cover bills and daily costs. Travel costs are mostly covered by the company as I am provided with a fuel card. Whe ntravelling for training courses, expenses have also been covered, which I foundvery helpful at the time. Overall, my salary is sufficient.

There are many opportunities to socialise with my colleagues outside of work, for example in December I attended a Christmas party, and later this month have the option to attend a Go Karting day with the rest of my team. There have also been other groups formed such as a five-aside football team that I have the option to join if I so wish, although personally I don't think I will.

Yes

They offer support and guidance, along with a guaranteed position after the apprenticeship, which is an area that often causes struggles for other apprentices. The company provides a good education along with transport, uniform, training and tooling, all free of charge.

To remain organised, and buy a diary as soon as possible to keep track of tasks, coursework, jobs, instructions and to make notes when learning so they can refer back to them later, as this has helped me on various occasions.