Technical Officer Review

I provide technical support to the Faculty of Heath and Education. It is a varied role that includes: creating audio/visual teaching and promotional content, web design, face to face customer service, stock management, programming, cleaning and maintenance, training people how to use equipment, being a simulated patient, researching and ordering new equipment.

Working towards a BSc degree Web design including HTML, CSS and Javascript/JQuery Relational Database design (including SQL) Java & Python coding (including Spring & Hibernate Code debugging Project management, report writing & reflection analysis Mobile App development Building a portfolio of evidence of my work Presenting to a group Mentoring Using Adobe Photoshop, Premiere and Audition Cloud computing

I am fortunate to work in a team with a set of very positive, hard working people who are keen to improve the resource centre. My degree apprenticeship has been very hard in places and has really pushed me, especially in terms of programming and business management. However I get a real feeling of achievement when I do understand and succeed in my studies.

Digital Technology and Solutions is an excellently designed course which can train both non-programmers and non-academics/business people from the ground up. The lecturers have been excellent and there is a good range of facilities available for digital work. The library is an excellent service. The Skill Tutor support with quarterly meetings is a good way to feel personally cared for.

I have had two very supportive managers during my apprenticeship, who have been active in giving me study time, fulfilling their required apprenticeship contributions and also giving me opportunities to use my new skills and build up my portfolio. They have both been encouraging and expressed their admiration in me pursing this apprenticeship.

My training provider is the same as my university and my employer. I have enjoyed most of my training and being able to do more complex but satisfying tasks. I have always felt supported and known that help and advice is available promptly, even during the lockdown and the changes in the apprenticeship.

Undertaking this apprenticeship has expanded what I have been able to do as part of my course, from presenting, to improving the web content the Faculty provides, to creating new software to help specific staff and student needs. I have become better at communicating professionally and I am more aware of issues like GDPR.

The Student Union provides plenty of activities, but as I am a mature apprentice my time away from work is largely taken up with family and personal projects, some of which have benefited from my new skills. MMU does provide excellent sports facilities, guest talks, and has a good staff benefits scheme.

Yes

The university has definitely improved in terms of positivity and facilities since I joined. There are a wide range of interesting jobs in technical services and a real feeling of satisfaction in helping staff and students achieve what the want. My own job has brought me in touch with a lot of interesting tech as well.

A good attitude and an enthusiasm to learn will go a long way. Knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 is a benefit. An awareness of health and safety principles is more important than ever. Knowledge of video and audio techniques and databases is especially important for my own role. There are lots of opportunities to learn new skills.