Data Services Apprentice Review

Data Services apprentice - I was assigned to a mentor who was a senior or higher level engineer within the VM DS community. I was able to ask for help from CCIE, CCNP and CCNA level engineers to allow me to study towards my own Cisco qualification which was paid for by VM whilst I was also being paid to work and study. I followed a training plan set out to allow me to see all areas of the business and meet my colleagues. I really enjoyed my time when in the DS engineer role at Virgin Media.

I have achieved my CCENT certification and I am studying towards my CCNA and hopefully onwards. I have completed a HNC whilst also studying which was a requirement of the apprenticeship. All trainers and managers were supportive and allowed me time when necessary to study. I really enjoyed my time when in the DS engineer role at Virgin Media.

I really enjoy my programme. My colleagues and managers were fun, friendly and supportive in all the decisions I made. I was given all the tools required to allow me to complete my job to the best quality that I could. I was paid very well to study and work and also travel the country carrying out my new role. I really enjoyed my time when in the DS engineer role at Virgin Media.

I feel very values by Virgin Media. I was given all the support I needed to complete my apprenticeship, and was given a role within DS once I successfully completed the apprenticeship. Whenever I had any concerns I felt confident that I could approach the training team or my manager and ask for help. I was made to feel welcome by everyone and welcome into my new team. I really enjoyed my time when in the DS engineer role at Virgin Media.

My programme was well organised however at times there were a few issues, however I put this down to the fact that VM had never run a scheme like the DS higher level apprenticeship before, so I put the issues down to teething problems. Whenever I had a concern I bought it up with my trainers and managers and they gave me a solution. I was regularly given study days to allow me to complete my Cisco study and HNC work. I really enjoyed my time when in the DS engineer role at Virgin Media.

As the apprenticeship was managed in house my the VM apprenticeship team I felt that the support I was given was brilliant. All VM training staff are friendly and supportive and will give me all the answers I needed. All tools including hand tools, vehicle and clothing was provided so all I had to do was turn up at work. Laptops were provided along with phones and all training courses were paid for and if required to stay overnight I was put up in high quality hotels all paid for by VM.

As the apprenticeship was managed in house my the VM apprenticeship team I felt that the support I was given was brilliant. All VM training staff are friendly and supportive and will give me all the answers I needed. All tools including hand tools, vehicle and clothing was provided so all I had to do was turn up at work. Laptops were provided along with phones and all training courses were paid for and if required to stay overnight I was put up in high quality hotels all paid for by VM.

When looking for a role within IT I came across the VM DS apprenticeship role and what attracted me most at first was the salary VM were offering whilst studying. After the first year my salary rose to the agreed amount which was brilliant, and then once I completed the apprenticeship my salary jumped again. I feel as though the salary offered was very competitive for the Cisco certified engineering community. I was provided with a phone, laptop, car and all other equipment required to complete my job to the highest possible standard. As the apprenticeship was managed in house my the VM apprenticeship team I felt that the support I was given was brilliant. All VM training staff are friendly and supportive and will give me all the answers I needed. All tools including hand tools, vehicle and clothing was provided so all I had to do was turn up at work. Laptops were provided along with phones and all training courses were paid for and if required to stay overnight I was put up in high quality hotels all paid for by VM.

As a Cisco certification is recognised within the IT community I now am open to many other opportunities within the IT sector. However I would not look elsewhere due to the brilliant atmosphere and benefits at Virgin Media. Salary is brilliant, atmosphere at work is brilliant and career progression oppotunities are brilliant. As the apprenticeship was managed in house my the VM apprenticeship team I felt that the support I was given was brilliant. All VM training staff are friendly and supportive and will give me all the answers I needed. All tools including hand tools, vehicle and clothing was provided so all I had to do was turn up at work. Laptops were provided along with phones and all training courses were paid for and if required to stay overnight I was put up in high quality hotels all paid for by VM.

Yes

As a Cisco certification is recognised within the IT community I now am open to many other opportunities within the IT sector. However I would not look elsewhere due to the brilliant atmosphere and benefits at Virgin Media. Salary is brilliant, atmosphere at work is brilliant and career progression oppotunities are brilliant. As the apprenticeship was managed in house my the VM apprenticeship team I felt that the support I was given was brilliant. All VM training staff are friendly and supportive and will give me all the answers I needed. All tools including hand tools, vehicle and clothing was provided so all I had to do was turn up at work. Laptops were provided along with phones and all training courses were paid for and if required to stay overnight I was put up in high quality hotels all paid for by VM.

Be yourself, Virgin Media don't do ties. If you are professional and willing to work hard and give your all to help out your colleagues at work then Virgin Media is the place for you. Whilst studying Virgin Media pay competitive wages and provide you with all the tools that you need to complete the job. Virgin Media is a brilliant work place, I am now 25 and have been working for VM since I was 17!