Apprentice Cloud Infrastructure Architect Review

by Vodafone

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.9/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

May day-to-day role can involve creating/updating infrastructure diagrams for our accounts, writing guidance documentation on AWS for development teams, studying AWS technologies, having calls with my team to discuss new projects/ideas, and liaising with other Digital Engineering teams such as Security or Systems. I also have one day a week dedicated to my apprenticeship studies.

10/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have learnt huge amounts about cloud computing and digital engineering through my role, and have been able to study towards AWS certifications to help me qualify as an architect, despite coming into the apprenticeship with zero technical background or understanding.These learnings have also been really well supported by my apprenticeship learnings, of which focus on broader digital/technology skills such as networking, business processes, and systems development approaches.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I really enjoy the programme - the balance of work and study is a great way to learn on the job and gain valuable skills.

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The programme is really well structured - we can manage our own study/work balance with our managers (most people do 1 day a week of study), and the support and opportunities made available to apprentices are great.

10/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Apprentices receive a lot of support from Vodafone - there are regular catch up meetings with the in-house apprenticeship coordination team where you can reach out for support (who can help with problems in your role or with the work/study balance), as well as mentors within your team, and other apprentices within Vodafone you can speak to.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

QA hold optional weekly drop-in sessions to discuss any concerns or questions. You can also contact your lecturer or QA support teams at any time when needed. Vodafone also have a dedicated QA skills coach who has regular 1-2-1 sessions to discuss progress in the apprenticeship.

10/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

The apprenticeship learnings help to develop overall understanding of digital and technology solutions, as well as academic skills. Many of the modules can apply to any role, and you can select optional modules tailored to your own interests/roles.

9/10

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.)

There are no organised social activities or extra-curriculars, though this would be great to have in future. Currently apprentices have a great network within Vodafone through their own connections, though any out of work activities are organised by ourselves.

2/10

9a. Would you recommend Vodafone to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Vodafone is an amazing company to work for due to their company values, benefit schemes, and general concern for employee wellbeing. The community spirit and support is also great, and there is always something fun going on to get involved with (as well as loads of amazing opportunities within your role).

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Vodafone?

Look into Vodafone's 'spirit behaviours' and use this to stand out in your application/interview :)