Network planning apprentice Review

My job title is network planner. My daily job is to provide our contractors with a planning pack for which our network infrastructure is expanded from. Tasks include checking potential locations with a site visit, once that is done we then if way leave if required. That being done we can then check other utility's property locations using websites such as safedig, linesearchbeforeyoudig etc.

I have learnt and developed loads of skill some of the new skill I have learned include reading and designing our infrastructure on a program called GNET viewer and designer, we had a 5 day training course on the system to make sure we learned everything. I already have an ict level 2 and by the end of this apprentice that will be level 3 so an improvement on an exciting skill.

I love the program I am on, My team are like my second family and we all have a great time its like im not at work but I am feels very natural, going round all the other departments seems to be the company culture being very relaxed. this role has exceeded my expectations coming from a field based position I was worried but that was all put to rest on my first day.

I feel valued as an employee at virgin media. my managers always show appreciation and in 1 2 1s for the effort I put into my work and shows me the overall picture and where i contributed to the end result. but as for external recognition there is nothing.

This has been a well oiled program from start to current point, diary is always filled with events weather they are work related or part of the itp membership. on my first week this was made clear as the induction was done straight into training with support set up then following that study days every 2 week on a Wednesday. with a very welcoming support structure which you feel you can approach and ask anything.

the support at virgin media is in the bucket loads weather its trough the trainers managers or even experienced co workers, the ease of access is at your disposal a quick message or phone call and you can obtain anything, everyone is really helpful and supportive no matter who you are. even iv managed to help fellow worker.

again like the above question everyone is willing to help in anyway possible what ever the query the relevant support needed is always there and if they don't have an answer they will find one and get back to you that same day. its like everyone that works wants everyone to succeed.

I feel that the money for an apprentice is great and only just scrapes my living costs as I have a mortgage (so inherently don't have a social life). but I feel that virgin really lack the end of the program salary because competitors to virgin pay 30 percent more money for the same job doing the same work for the current role that I am doing.

yes there are loads of opportunity outside of work ones i have been involved in are the brathay challenge, community project, technology seminars in London, trip to the bbc this month. paintballing. virgin are always pushing to get people out there comfort zones and push you to learn and see what everyone is doing.

Yes

the company is massive with so many opportunity and career path changed available. with huge company benefits including healthcare with staff packages. with good bonuses which you can share with family and friends. and the environment within virgin is the best in any workplace with a great workforce behind it and managers that care and want you to be successful.

the best tips I can give are if you don't succeed the first time just keep trying and always ask for feedback as virgin will tell you there reasons for the outcome. with the feedback you can learn what you did well and not so well improving your chances with any company not just virgin. for interviews always be yourself don't try and be someone your not as you wont be able to keep up the act. the assessment days are long but are all fun if you allow them to be with some great teambuilding exercises just make sure you get involved and make sure your voice is heard.