Technology Apprentice Level 6 Review

My current role in my apprenticeship is a transformation specialist within our UK IT Operations department. Therefore, my role on a day to day basis is to investigate, design and implement key strategic activities, such as simplification and standardisation, that support our wider business strategy whilst also delivering real value to our department. Furthermore, this role gives me a chance to study and use the best practices in an IT department through the use of ITIL and DEVOPS.

This apprenticeship and role has allowed me to learn and develop many skills. Most notably, I have been able to apply my learning from my university studies to my work, such as understanding systems development and managing in a digital age. These modules have given me a good grounding for understanding the breadth of scope within an IT department in a company as large as Vodafone. Furthermore, this apprenticeship has allowed me to develop my confidence as a big part of my role is being able to manage stakeholders and secure people's vote of confidence in my delivery.

I have really enjoyed my apprenticeship programme, to the extent where I want to continue working for Vodafone after I have finished and hopefully in the same team. I have made some good friends from the programme itself that I will definitely keep in touch with them. Furthermore, I feel very comfortable within my team and believe they do look out for me and have every good intention for me and my future career as they have offered me good opportunities to seek further training.

The programme is very well structured between Vodafone and QA, what I appreciate is that Vodafone understand the importance of my degree and ensure that I do have sufficient time to complete my studies. The only critique of the programme that I would have is the level of consistency with the modules, I have found some to be far better at engrossing you into the material and feeling more beneficial whereas others have lacked at feeling as worthwhile to me and my future career.

I believe that I receive a great amount of support from my employer, they have given me opportunities to take further training, such as cloud foundation. Furthermore, they have regular 1-1s to understand how I'm feeling, getting on with my work and finding my apprenticeship. I also believe that they do have my best interests at heart and genuinely want to give me every opportunity possible to reach my potential either at Vodafone or elsewhere.

I receive a good level of support from QA, the training provider, in regards to helping me achieve my qualifications. As previously discussed, I feel like there are some inconsistencies with the modules that lead to more difficult modules as I have not been able to understand what is required to achieve the best marks. On the other hand, having a dedicated point of contact, my skills coach, has been extremely beneficial and useful for answering questions whenever I had any.

I strongly believe that a lot of what I have learnt from my degree studies have enabled me to perform my role better within Vodafone. Taking modules such as leadership in the digital age and managing creativity, innovation and change have taught me key management theories. Furthermore, these were optional modules and have allowed me to increase my knowledge in areas that I am particularly interested in over modules that I personally would see little value in studying.

There are not too many extra curricular activities that I involve myself within at work, however there are a number of different extra-curricular activities and groups within Vodafone.

Yes

I believe that Vodafone is a great company to work for as they have a strong connection with their employees (based on my experiences) and due to the size of the company there is a lot of scope for movement around the business.

I believe that Vodafone look for driven and passionate individuals who can bring new and innovative ideas to their work.