Planning Apprentice Review

I'm an apprentice planner at Virgin Media where my daily tasks vary. Every morning I create tickets for customers that are awaiting their premises to be surveyed, and in the afternoon we work on our apprentice booklets and coursework if we haven't got an planning work. I have to interact with the whole team on a daily basis to ask for their advice and guidance which planning packs that I may be given.

We gain qualifications during the apprenticeship which specifies for our job roles within the departments and work we are doing. Virgin offer us extra courses to go on to extend our skills; for example, I will be going to Birmingham for a week to learn how to work one of the computer programmes I will be using as part of my day-to-day work and role within the company which i am very excited about.

This program is completely different to anything I've done before, however I'm finding it a thoroughly enjoyable experience as the company is great to work for, my team is friendly and supportive and I feel that it's gone above my expectations. I definitely did not expect to enjoy my apprenticeship as much as i have and i definitely think they should be promoted more to younger people.

I feel that every member of each team is treated as a valuable asset to the company, for example, support is continuously offered by both my apprentice and office managers which shows that they want us to over achieve within this program. I think that overall the company is really well structured and organised and i do feel pretty valued by Virgin Media too. I think they value all their employees.

The program structure is strong as we receive help sheets on what the courses are and how to do well within them. At VM we receive one study day a week to work on our coursework which is incredibly helpful for us to complete our task. Overall it is difficult to suggest a way of improving the programme in terms of structure, just to keep it how it is for future employees and apprentices.

Our apprentice managers are very supportive as they come to see us to help and give guidance of our work. I feel that there is a very supportive attitude within this company as everyone is always happy to help as support is just a phonecall/email/conversation away. I think we are offered more help and support than a lot of other apprenticeships too as two of my close friends are with seperate companies going through the apprenticeship schemes there and receive less help/support.

I feel that VM have a great attitude towards supporting us. Our mentors are with us everyday to guide us through our course and teach us how to use our programmes and also use our skills we've learnt so far to the best of our abilities during the apprenticeship course. My employer always asks myself and other apprentices if we need help and ensure that we can email or call them up if we do need the help/support.

Virgin Media offer a very good apprentice salary as its considerably higher than the average apprentice wage. I'm able to afford all of my living, travel and daily costs, however as I am on an apprentice wage, I'm unable to afford as many social events that I would like to/what my friends are doing but i know i am getting my educational fees all paid for and eventually i should be on a full-time wage anyway so i just need to wait it out.

There are always charity events you can get involved with outside at work, which gives you a great opportunity to help and engage with other people. We are given additional training to help us with our job roles too, and the employees and managers/supervisors are always there to ask questions too, give you support and also they offer advice and give you chats about the future and what maybe the best routes for you within the business.

Yes

I have found Virgin Media a great company to work for as everyone is treated very equally and open to conversation. The company is fun, relaxed and incredibly supportive of your work. The employees and supervisors are really friendly and always offer support and advice to you; you definitely feel as part of the team and are not looked upon as an outsider. I would definitely reccomend applying.

I would say to just be yourself and be calm. I feel that Virgin appreciates refreshing, enthusiastic people that have good morals and understand what it takes to be a good colleague. The interview process is long, however it's worth it as it opens up a wealth of opportunities for the future. ensure you are also up to date with the company, the products, their values and what they overall do!