Cross-Functional Apprentice Review

by Cisco

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9/10

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

At the moment, I am part of the Partner Account Management team where I support a number of Service Providers (KCOM, Daisy, OBS, Virgin, Vodafone) My day varies from partner to customer, which means I each day is spent at a number of venues. My responsibilities include - enabling partners to use Cisco tools, letting them know about our programs and incentive, and organising events for training.

10/10

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

- CCNA - Softskills - Using Cisco's internal tools

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

- Flexibility to work from home - Travelling - Cisco's culture is very friendly

8/10

4. How valued do you feel by Cisco?

My managers make it very clear when I have done well. We have a connected recognition system where our deeds are rewarded and we are given vouchers.

9/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The technology we use is very advanced compared to most other companies, which gives us a huge advantage in terms of processing speed, effective communication and organising work and meeting etc.

9/10

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

We receive as much support as we ask for. Whenever we face a difficult situation, we can contact our training provider via email or phone, and a solution is given within the day or next few days.

8/10

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

Our manager supports us by making us aware of our status - what we've done, where we stand and what steps we should be taking.

9/10

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

Not all apprentices live on their own like me but the salary we get is better than most apprentices out there. Travelling can be reimbursed and the food in the office is reasonably priced.

9/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

Being such a big company, events are held every week. Depending on what rotation we are in, we are able to participate in these events. Some of the apprentices are even travelling to Spain for a week (all inclusive) for CiscoLive!

10/10

9. Would you recommend Cisco to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

- There are so many perks to take advantage of - Cisco is one of the biggest IT companies out there and the future is IT - You get to see how a cooperate company functions and network with people of high stature - opportunity to travel

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

- Show that you are passionate about technology - Find out about Cisco and what they do - Build some knowledge on computer networking (even if you do not want to have a technical career)