Degree apprentice Review

I am a degree apprentice; this involve rotating around departments on a 6th monthly to a year timeframe. Initially in our new rotation the goal and main focus is to learn as much as we can. We have meetings with several people in our department and learn about the different projects and initiatives that are in action. We then work on these projects where we contribute to the team’s success through suggesting new ideas and assisting on projects

Yes, there is a massive opportunity to improve yourself, the countless opportunities, talks, workshops and meetings we are exposed to give us a wealth of information to help us become a beneficial resource of the team. As well as hard skills learning how to do a certain job/ report/ business plan/ data gathering, we also learn a lot of soft skills in a safe environment where people understand and appreciate we are new to work life and are learning every day.

I am really enjoying the program, there has been a great balance between social and work, everyone in the company is welcoming and extremely nice. As well as this there have been lots of organised events by VISA to allow us to get to know more people but also appreciate the fact we are starting at 18 and missing uni, so they have organised events like going to Winter wonderland and having a company organise a treasure hunt for us. This has made the apprenticeship a lot of fun and adds nice breaks and experiences to the normal working week.

I feel employees value the use of apprentices on the whole but when you initially start out in a department because you don’t know what I can sometimes feel a bit useless, but this is only for a short amount of time and only because I am used to being on the go 24/7. This turns around very quickly and you get up and running within a week or 2. The managers have been great so are in making sure you have worthwhile projects to do.

The on boarding process was quite long, but this was partially good became it meant we got settled in well before going off to our departments but it did sometimes drag on a bit, this would be the same in any environment. Other than that it feels well organised, there could be some more to be done on this but it has been on the whole fine. The structure that was planned was well thought out.

The support is ok, some of the training and workshop days are questionable as to their helpfulness. QA the provider does lack in a few areas. It is however, difficult to communicate effectively online and over email with the type of training that needs to be provided. The material on Canvas (The online learning platform) has been very good. More issues arise in their work around this.

As much as I would need, I have had no problems so far. The only problem may be is that since everyone is so busy it can be difficult to get time from some people but it has been good on the whole. People do make time for you that you would not get if you were in any other position.

As an apprentice I currently live at home and my parents provide a lot for me. I am in a fortunate position in this regard. This means I am very comfortable with my salary- this is the same for most apprentices. It would become more difficult to manage if I were to live by myself or in a flat share. This is because London is very expensive. If you were sensible and tight with money you would be fine but would increase stress.

Yes there is a good selection, not as many as you would have if you were at uni and less than other companies I know. But a good amount.

Yes

All the reasons I have described above. Plus, for a career VISA is a brilliant company to work for. They offer a great program.

Be enthusiastic, hardworking, positive. Get involved in everything at school. Be creative and open minded. Make sure your voice is heard.