Cross-Functional Apprenticeship Review

My role as a cross-functional apprentice is to rotate through the company in different departments and learn about them. I am currently working as a campaign and events manager for a commercial sales team, which involves organising and planning events, as well as building effective marketing campaigns.

I have learnt a lot regarding computer networking, and am constantly being able to use my existing skills.

I enjoy the work that I am currently doing in my rotation, however the apprenticeship side of my programme needs improvement. I do not enjoy what I am learning in my degree and generally do not enjoy the additional training provided as this often goes over what I have already learnt or know. I also do not think that the degree and apprenticeship blend well together, as someone who is not technically minded I would not chose the technical degree I am now doing.

I feel very valued by my team, however there can be some stigma surrounding apprentices in other areas of the company for being lazy. It can sometimes feel difficult to feel valued when I do not get paid enough to comfortably live month to month.

I find that the organisation of the programme leaves a lot to be desired. Even from recruitment, it appears that things are completed last minute and this has on several occasions meant things have not been completed in time, or when they were promised. The overall structure is good, however the individual organisation and deployment of this needs much improvement. I also believe that rotations themselves need to have more structure to them.

I think that the support provided by our training provided falls short of what I have received previously from other training providers and my old university. There was no outreach for students with additional needs despite me flagging it on a form I was advised to fill out by the training provider. There is no explanation of how the training provider works (i.e. who our point of contacts are etc) and how we can use the tools they provide us. I was also extremely unimpressed with the quality of the study material provided, being deaf in one ear meant that I had difficulty accessing the videos and there were no transcripts available, so I experienced a significant delay is starting my first degree module.

I am not given a lot of time with my manager to discuss things that concern me and it can be difficult to get hold of them. Within the company, people are willing to help and we are provided the tools we need to succeed.

I believe that the amount I am paid is quite low - I live in the south east of England and the cost of living is very high, especially in the immediate area around the office I work in. As I do not live with my parents, it is difficult to ensure every cost is covered and I live pay check to pay check. If given the choice, I would rather be paid the same as someone who works in the role I am doing full time and fund my training independently.

There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer and socialise with others outside your job role. There are societies for you to join.

No

I do not think that the degree and the apprenticeship blend well together. The organisation of the scheme needs to be improved significantly and I was fed false promises before I joined and when I initially started. There was also no opportunity for me to research the degree before I joined the scheme and nor was I provided any information on it during recruitment - I would not have joined the scheme if I had this information.

Expect for long breaks in between communications from the company. Research the degree before you join - even if this involves looking at other companies websites, it will give you a general overview.