IT Apprentice Review

My role is a manufacturing IT apprentice. On a daily basis I regularly interact with a variety of people across site. I help support the IT systems used in the factory as well as being the first point of contact for other IT issues. Over the last couple of years I have been involved with a project which has introduced a Computerised Maintenance Management System across site. I have worked with a variety of people at different levels to build and train them on how to use the system. I regularly interact with the external software company to log issues and arrange updates. I am now one of the system administrators who manages and develops the system.

During my apprenticeship I have gained a Diploma and am working towards achieving a Foundation Degree. I have also been part of many other training courses such as 'Raising Personal Effectiveness', 'Presentation Skills' and 'Thriving under pressure' which have taught me many valuable skills. I was also given the opportunity to complete the Microsoft Office Specialist Excel qualification and hope to do this in the other Microsoft Office applications as I believe they are key skills which would benefit me in my role. I have also learnt a variety of personal and professional skills and believe I have developed my confidence too. I have networked with numerous people at different levels throughout the business, which has helped raise my profile.

I have enjoyed my apprenticeship programme and believe I settled in well with my team. The people on site were very welcoming and I have got to know them better throughout my time at Unilever.

I feel fairly valued within the company and believe I am recognised for my skills on site as many people would like to see me working for Unilever after my apprenticeship. Due to my involvement in a specific software project and the role I have taken, I feel valuable as there isn't anyone else who knows the things I do.

My programme was fairly structured throughout and I appreciate that study time is given. However the organisation of internal training could have been better as I was taking part in training in the last year of my apprenticeship which would have been more beneficial at the beginning.

At the beginning of my apprenticeship I found it hard to get support from my training provider tutor as he did't seem interested in coming to site for one person. This meant that I lacked guidance in the first couple of months although I was still able to get on with the work. Once this was escalated things changed and then he supported me more by giving deadlines to ensure that I completed my diploma on time.

I receive a lot of support from my manager and I know I can ask him for help when needed. He is willing to spend time with me to explain and teach me new things when I'm stuck. At the beginning of my apprenticeship I didn't get much support from the apprenticeship delivery team as I almost got forgotten about. I was lucky that I settled in well and didn't have any problems as I wouldn't have known who to go to. I now have a different contact, who I dont have regular contact with, however she will reply when needed.

my salary and package meet my costs well and cover my daily living costs. I have to travel almost an hour to get to work however my salary covers this.The current location is ok as it is in my nearest city however to progress within IT, the opportunities are not at this site.

There aren't many company events that are held, however the few that I have been invited to I have attended. There also aren't any company activities that are ran either. However I have joined the on site gym so regularly attend that with work friends.

Yes

I would recommend Unilever to a friend as they have invested well in me and given me an excellent opportunity to develop myself and my skill set. After choosing my apprenticeship over going to Uni, I don't regret it.

For the application process I would have liked to have been told about the whole application process and the steps involved as it is quite long. However just make sure everything is double checked to ensure it can be the best it can be. I would tell others to be yourself and relax during interviews and assessment days. Employers want to see your personality! Also it doesn't matter if things don't go the right way, it is about how you deal with them and what skills you show.