Apprentice Project Manager Review

by Cisco

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7.4/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Cross-Functional Apprentice Project Manager - Supporting various project within different areas of the business, for example, infrastructure upgrade projects with banks, proof-of-concept projects focusing on utilising already implemented Cisco technologies to have an affect on our day-to-day activities, internal projects such as 'Bring Your Kids To Work Day', supporting Apprenticeship Assessment Centres and organising and supporting at careers events across the country.

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

As part of my Apprenticeship, I have attended a large number of training courses/workshops which has allowed me to develop my understanding of the IT Industry as well as Project Management. Since starting my Apprenticeship I have attained the following qualifications: -MTA: Windows Operating System Fundamentals (May 2015) -ITIL Foundation certificate in IT Service Management (August 2015) -Cisco Certified Network Associate, CCNA (September 2015) -Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3) for IT, Software, Web and Telecom Professionals -Higher Apprenticeship in Project Management (APM Exam)

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I like the flexibility my programme has to offer as it allows you too try out different roles and choose your own path within Cisco which many Apprenticeships don't offer. Apprentices at Cisco are meeting new people every day and learning new things every day and I have even had the chance to go on a business trip to Berlin! The culture at Cisco is like no other, however the Apprenticeship could be made better if there was a manager for every year group!

8/10

4. How valued do you feel by Cisco?

I do feel valued by Cisco and other employees are always wanting Apprentices to be involved with events and activities as well as supporting them on a day-to-day basis. However, what I have learnt is that you don't always get recognised for the good work and effort you put it. But at the end of the day it is a massive company so what can you expect!!

6/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Since I started in 2014 the Apprenticeship structure has had frequent changes which has had an affect on the support our managers can offer and I think the structure/organisation would be bettered if there was one more manager as there are currently 50 Apprentices below 2 managers...

5/10

6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?

QA always offer good support to Apprentices at Cisco!

8/10

6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?

There could be more support...

5/10

7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?

The Cisco Apprenticeship pays very good compared to other Apprenticeships.

9/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

Cisco are always hosting events outside of work such as triathlons, fund raising activities, giving back opportunities etc.

9/10

9. Would you recommend Cisco to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Working at Cisco has opened many doors for me and help to develop me as a person mainly in terms of confidence

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Cisco?

-Make sure you research Cisco and read through all the material provided to you before you attend the Assessment Centre. -Don't come in with a closed mind of what you want to do. Try out all the different opportunities first before committing to one role!