Rating
- 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
- 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
- 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
- 4. How valued do you feel by Softcat?
- 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
- 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
- 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
- 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
- 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
- 9. Would you recommend Softcat to a friend?
- 9b. Why?
- 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Softcat?
As an apprentice sales person, my job is to look after a series of accounts in order to advise, and sell IT services and products to business and Schools. I solely operate in the Public Sector so on a day-to-day basis I am speaking to IT managers about their roles, responsibilities and priorities to understand their IT requirements. I spend a lot of time talking to vendors such as HP and Cisco on current projects, and also our distribution lines that we use for shipping and sourcing our products.
I have learnt more about how an IT network runs, more specifically in schools. I have learnt about purchasing habits and consumer behaviour when they wish to purchase products and spend a large amount of money. I have learnt how general hardware such as laptops work and also what components are needed. I believe the job has heavily developed my interpersonal skills and also timekeeping as the job is very busy.
My team is very close, and there are plenty of resources available for me to use when I am in need of help or have any questions. The culture is exceptional and the way Softcat treats its employee's is also brilliant. The job has met and exceeded my expectations. The job is very enjoyable.
Even though I am an apprentice, I still feel as though the profit I produce and the value I add is appreciated within the team. My manager also went through the apprenticeship so I feel as though he understands the struggles we come across and can help when needed. I am always involved in tasks and projects when I want to.
The programme is very well structured, there is constant support not only from the apprentice leaders, however also throughout all the teams and sales people within Softcat. Meetings are regular and we often have catch-ups with more senior members of the team to discuss ongoing projects. I do not feel as though there is much of a hierarchy in my team as the tasks are delegated fairly and the support remains constant throughout.
The training provider comes in on a scheduled date each month, by doing this it allows us time to complete our own work, whilst also learning about the guidance and training which he has to offer. The provider is always only a call away from any help and is good at keeping in touch with all members of the apprenticeship.
The support which is received from my employer is also very good. There is good guidance from those around me, and the way the team is structured and organised means that I am always speaking to different people in relation to my current issues and priorities. This way, it allows me to get different views on certain aspects of the job which will benefit me in the long run and also increase my knowledge.
My salary package comfortable covers my living costs at this moment in time, as I still live at home my outgoings are low. The office is located only around 10 miles from my house which results in an easy and cheap commute to work each day. The daily costs are also able to be dealt with. The commission package is a good way of earning a monthly bonus too.
There are many opportunities out of work. Every year, thee are 5 or 6 company events which are open for all employee's to attend. Every quarter, the team does a night out which helps to bring us closer as a team and bond. Within work, there are various activities to take part in. For example, they often to competitions and charity events such as Fifa tournaments and squat challenges.
Yes
Softcat is an excellent place to work, and offers you the groundings to progress in your career. It is a great opportunity to earn decent money and the social aspect is also very attractive.
Learn about the company before you apply for the interview. Make sure you know the key values that Softcat strive to achieve and the growth figures from recent years.
Details
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Information Technology
South East
May 2018