Data Analyst Apprentice Review

So far, I have been trying to get involved with trying to make a positive contribution to my team. I have been given tasks that have been well explained to me, whilst I complete my degree alongside my work. My week normally consists of working on assignments, understanding and working on projects, completing tasks (both academic and work) and personally, I try and expand my knowledge in the area as much as I can via online learning resources.

Coming from a more 'sciencey' background having completed a BSc Psychology degree, entering the I.T. space with data analytics has been difficult. However, my team and training provider have taught me many new skills that I am aiming to use within work. These include programming, data modelling, analysis, understanding networks and how the network infrastructure works in general, nationwide.

I really enjoy my programme. During the first couple months, things were not so great as I had many technical issues with my laptop and accounts, which were addressed and eventually resolved (although some things are not). However, I cannot blame Vodafone for this as things have been particularly difficult during the pandemic, things would be far more easier to resolve if we were at the office. The support given by my team is amazing. They have been really supportive, helpful (especially with decrypting the many acronyms used in Vodafone) and encouraging. The flexibility offered by Vodafone is also great. If anything pops up, I would always get a 'no problem, that's fine' answer from my manager. As long as I continue to complete my tasks and contribute to the team, no problem. Vodafone also have a great culture, leaded by utlising the workspace platform. There are great events that help mental wellbeing (essential during the pandemic), events to help charities and many more. Vodafone have a great rewarding ethic, something that I never really got from my previous employers. My team, especially my line manager, would not be shy to praise where it is due, and reward individuals for their hard work. This is something I really appreciate and respect. The only thing, personal to me, is that it took a while to get started and the technical issues have been frustrating. This wasn't necessarily Vodafone's fault, but still not the best. The programme I am on is still a little difficult to understand and absorb all information, but that is personal to me. Overall, Vodafone has been great.

Very well. My manager makes sure I have enough time to complete my tasks required from the college. Meetings are scheduled during convenient times. There is an abundance of support from my line manager and team, if there is anything I am stuck or need clarification on. Yet, as mentioned previously, my experience was not the best starting out, as I had a lot of technical difficulties, which caused adverse effects on my role, work and academics. I really did struggle with assignments and attending meetings as nothing seemed to work. This made me feel isolated, not really contributing much to the team and just being paid to do nothing, which is an ethic I hate. Apart from this, I have been nicely eased into work, given work to do that aligns with what I have learnt, and I am continuously encouraged to achieve more and learn more things.

A LOT. They were always on my back with how they could help more, make things easier for me and made my start at Vodafone welcomed. My manager was beyond helpful, who always set up meetings to catch up with me (even though he is very busy) and looked at ways to help me grow in my role and how he could help. Members of my team were amazing. They helped me understand aspects of what I would be doing in my role, what they think I could to to help them, as well as taking a lot of time out to explain the software we use and many more. They have been very patient, friendly and beyond my expectations. My apprenticeship leader who I was liaising with before I started work, was great too. She explained everything in detail and was very friendly and welcoming. In general, I don't think they can be any more supportive than they are doing now.

The start was not the best due to technical difficulties. I was put into the wrong cohort, therefore having less time to complete assignments (as my cohort had their lectures a week earlier, assignments due a week and a bit earlier). Due to this, I had a lot of difficulty accessing the resources. Everything was explained in the beginning, which I had missed. So finding what to do, where to find help, resources, etc. I all did on my own. The staff are supportive, but I did find it difficult to navigate the many websites we would be involved with. The content is very large, with a lot of technical knowledge needed to be learnt prior to the start, difficult for me. Other than that, the tutors are great and are always keen on helping out as much as possible, with recorded lectures and tasks to complete.

Honestly, so far I have not learnt anything that I could 'directly' apply to my role. I have learnt a lot of theory and how things work, however, I have not learnt much data analytic based work. This is something my manager and I discuss frequently, and have spoken with the college about.

There are social events, of course limited by the pandemic. There are events to contribute with online, where there are social events, quizzes and events for charity. There is a real sense of family there. Vodafone actively encourages activities that help mental wellbeing during lockdown. Charitable events are abundant, something I really love. I hope when the pandemic is lifted, sporting events would be something I could do too. That would be great!

Yes

In one sentence, 'you will feel valued here'. My time at Vodafone so far has been warm welcomes, friendly conversation, continuous support, a high level of understanding, very rewarding work culture and overall, a very encouraging place of work that helps you achieve your best potentials. Everything has exceeded my expectations. I would say, to anyone thinking to apply, to do it. There is not much I can say wrong about Vodafone during my time so far. You would only know once you've taken the plunge.

Honestly, be yourself. From my small time here so far, I have understood the work ethic here, which is: they love people for who they are, and then they nuture them to become the best version of themselves. It does sound cliche, but it is true. During the interview process, I was being myself, only due to the fact that I know if I do get through, Vodafone like the person I am. They did, told me I did great and looked for ways to help me improve in my field and role. Just be yourself. Obviously do your background research. Show them what value you can offer and bring to Vodafone. Align yourself with a potential working day in your role. I did that and even watched it on YouTube. I loved the role, hence why I took the decision to pursue the role with Vodafone after I done my research on then (and I loved their ambitions and goals). Make sure your ethics and values align with Vodafone or any other business. Have all that combined and you should be good to go!