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 well organised/structured is your programme?
- 5. How much support do you receive from your employer?
- 6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
- 7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
- 8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
- 9a. Would you recommend Softcat to a friend?
- 9b. Why?
- 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Softcat?
My role mainly involves managing the diaries of consultants for the professional services department. I work in a pot email which 5 of us have access to and work through this inbox throughout the day. We deal with anything from informing account managers of pricing for consultants, their availability and their skill sets and what work they can cover. We also manage a few other resources such as kit which is used on site by the consultants. My job is very nice as it has some downtime allowing me to focus on my apprenticeship work and learn other roles / responsibilities within my team. I have taken on lots of other responsibilities allowing me to gain an insight into a number of departments such as project management.
Absolutely, I have learned how to manage calendars for over 60 consultants, managing logistics for some of the kit we ship to sites and managing and logging project manager queries which in turn leads to projects actually being launched. I have also learned communication techniques through email and phone etiquette which has helped me confidence massively.
I enjoy my programme as it allows me to have a good work life balance. As mentioned previously I have some downtime so find a lot of time to teach myself new skills and ask questions to further advance my knowledge of the role. I like the work for assignments as it is spaced out nicely and allows us to really learn the content.
I was introduced to my role a few weeks before the other apprentices, this was a very nice transition as it allowed me to hit the ground running and really get stuck in with my team. The work is spaced out nicely and allows us to complete the work between assignments in good time.
A lot of support is available. On the TVs around the office we have constant reminders of mental health support, financial support and anything from family support to help with work life balance. We have all the support in place for whatever you need, duvet days are offered as a last minute resort to avoid a sick day, usually used for mental health days.
We have regular sessions teaching us context for assignments and updating us on where we are at with regards to the programme. We receive support with regards to mental health, safeguarding and ensuring everyone’s on track to pass the course. We have contact details for lots of support from the provider.
My qualification provides me with the tools I need in my day to day role. The provider allows me to revise skills and allows me to regularly see where I am at with regards to the content of the course. It helps me with my job as it gives me an insight into areas of the business I never thought of.
There are regular social events, some of which include: drinks, rugby, football or other sporting events. Many networking events occur on a default basis which allows us new starts to really get to know people within the company. By allowing us to gain an insight into the social lives of those at work it improves working relations.
Yes
It is an excellent company to work for and is growing at a rapid rate. The company is very caring and loves its employees so I feel I would love a friend to work here as they would fit in. It is a great place to work as there are so many benefits.
Take the opportunity with both hands and learn as much as you can. Do exams and excel your career to the fullest and get the most out of such a fun, loving company. Ensure they are aware of the pressures of the job, especially if they are going into sales.
Details
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Information Technology
Marlow, Buckinghamshire
February 2020