Core Network Support Specialist Review

My role was to look after Vodafone's core network. This involved troubleshooting network issues which came in through escalated issues. I also work with projects to implement changes which roll out the latest updates for new customer experiences. But also maintenance fixes to keep the network up and running by rolling out changes in low traffic periods.

Learn how to use Linux, interact with other Vodafone staff and other vendors, completed many training courses, improved my presentation skills, identified inefficiencies and improved processes, taught myself python, learnt how a mobile network operates and diagnosed incidents during callouts.

Company culture is very good. We are encouraged to identify and fix inefficiencies that haven't been updated in a long time. My team is excellent, friendly and supportive. Vodafone are a great employer and really want to listen and sort out any issues you have. Especially my apprentice mentor.

Induction was good, got all the apprentices familiar with the apprenticeship team and each other. On the job training was good in my team and I was able to manage my time between work and university well after discussing with my manager. My mentor was excellent, very approachable and a real Guru in our area. Felt like my voice was equal in team meetings.

Received good support from my company during the apprenticeship when training training provider did not provided a good service during one particular module. Managers I've had have all been supportive and push me to improve my skills in areas I want to. Never felt like I wasn't being listened to.

My tutor was good, and most teachers were good, but this was hit and miss. For example, one module we only had a substitute teachers who knew nothing about the module so it was pointless going for those sessions. Our group complained and the following session they brought out a teacher who was much better. It does feel very dependent on your tutor though as my first tutor was not very supportive, this improved however.

I don't feel what I learnt in my qualification helped me during my role. I can't say I've used any theory in practice as none of my modules ever really looked at telecommunications, which I specialised in at work. Also I wasn't able to do a more relevant module 'programming' as that was only on the software engineer pathway. So this lack of flexibility damaged what skills could used at work.

Before Covid there was lots of activities we could get involved in and little events to attend. Such as new product launches, diversity days, many sports after work, the gym, a separate company showing off their new network technology and how it will change the technology landscape. There are lots of opportunities for voluntary days which Vodafone encourages and donates towards.

Yes

Mainly because of the attitude at the company. Our area really cares how the customer experience is and how we can improve ever step their relationship with us. They feel like they care for their staff and provide this with good manager training and lots of work perks.

I joined before there were assessment days, but my interview was good. Make sure you have good responses to competency based questions like previous achievements and how you work with others .