Solutions Design Engineer Apprentice Review

My role is based in the wholesale side of virgin media, and I deal with layer 1 and layer 0 of the OSI model, which is the physical fibre connections between sites and the transport method put over it (DWDM), I design networks using these parameters and customer requirements, which get handed over to the other teams for must win bids.

I have developed new skills such as working with new software I had never heard of before, I have developed my skills in working from home, I have also improved on previous skills I possessed such as confidence and IT skills. New skills such as team working and determination towards projects.

to my surprise, I am actually enjoying my programme more than I thought I would, the resources and content of the programme are not what I wil use in my day to day although they are extremely relevant and useful skills that I may be able use and adapt in the future

the programme is structured differently to what I am used to, I was expecting training 9-5 Monday to Friday every week like I am used to at uni and college, although the training is split up over every few weeks and I believe this structure works a lot better for an apprenticeship.

the support I receive from my employer is more than expected, I have daily catch up calls, anew member of the team who got hired around the same time who supervises us too which is also a benefit. there are also monthly catch ups with m manager that solves ay problems I am facing.

the support from the training provider is aslo more than expected, there are monthly catch up calls to see how we are getting on, if theres any projects to be set and how the exams are going, there are 3 month meetings with the lecturer to iron out any problems with prokects etc.

As I mentioned before the qualifitcation will not be used in my day to day job role, this is just due to the nature of my role although the information being taught is still relevant and is improving skills that I will use in my job role through out the day to day.

As we have all been working from home recently the extra curricular activities have been close to zero due to lockdowns, although the virtual activities have been very frequent and allow for us to have a bit of down time when working hard through the week, these include social calls, yoga and quizzes etc.

Yes

The atmosphere and mentality when working at virgin media has been amaxing, the way the managers have been treating us with small welcome packages, gifts and Christmas cards etc just shows that we are not just a number in a cog of the business and I really appreciate that when working here.

Show positivity at the interviews, show confidence although do not be too over confident and allow others to participate in group challenges. don't be scared to be yourself, your personality is a great trait to show hirinig managers as they decide if you will fit into their team or not.