Apprentice Grade 3 Review

Currently I am training as a network technician. My daily roles involve monitoring various networks and fixing any issues that occur. responsibilities include keeping everything up to date (software, operating systems, product licenses), installing hardware such as computers and servers and making sure that the networks are up and running with as little down time as possible.

I've learned a lot more computer and network based knowledge including troubleshooting and different methods of setting up the various types of network.

I enjoy my apprenticeship a lot as I enjoy learning especially when being paid. Also I currently find that the project I am working on very interesting.

I'm lucky enough to currently be working on a project that makes me feel very valued as I have quite a lot more responsibility than I feel I would have on a larger project.

The programme is mostly very well structured and well organised. there have been occasions where I have had issues but that is more due to currently working on a different site to the training centre therefore communication is more complicated.

My training provider provides a lot of support. for instance, I have gone into a trade that does not specifically have it's own NVQ however they were able to tailor a selection of NVQ units to help me complete my apprenticeship.

Due to my training provider being a separate company to my employer, I feel like my employer take more of a back seat when it comes to apprenticeship support. That being said the project I am working on and the other people working on the project have been extremely helpful with ensuring that I have enough work to complete NVQ units.

I am lucky as an apprentice that I am on a fairly high wage (especially compared to a lot of people my age) therefore currently I have not had any issues with costs outweighing wages.

I'm currently looking to start my CCENT and CCNA Networking qualifications at college. I also have several hobbies including paintballing and airsofting as well as occasionally archery.

Yes

BAE Systems generally offer a good engineering education that helps make it more likely that you will get a job in the future, whilst also paying a good wage as well.

If you plan on applying to BAE Systems, research all of the different apprenticeship schemes that they offer, for instance if you have A-Levels then the technician apprenticeship would be best, however I f you left school at 16 like me then the craft apprenticeship is ideal and helps with getting further education outside of school.