Technology Apprentice Review

I work within the TechHub, this means I provide 2nd line technology support to the UK business, providing help to internal customers with IT infrastructure, hardware, software, as well as management and upkeep of internal systems/ administration. Members of the team also have individual responsibilities, for example managing procurement/stock that is ordered in, ensuring that stock levels are monitored constantly

I have grown my confidence a huge amount, through exposure to talking to people from different background/areas of the business everyday. I have also grown my knowledge of IT infrastructure immensely, through on the job activities and also though external training/exams from BCS and my training provider, Firebrand.

I enjoyed the apprenticeship programme, the Early careers department within Fidelity is great and organise multiple social / training events for professional development. However I feel that my training provider Firebrand could have been better suited to the job role which I am in - the course I was placed on (IT Solutions Technician (Hardware) actually contains 40% networking when it comes to exams/syllabus, which I do not cover in my day to day role)

My programme is organised, but also flexible. My manager understands the work that I need to do for my apprenticeship but also makes it clear that I am part of a team which has a job to do. I was also one of the first people to go through my specific programme, so felt a bit like a guinea-pig when dealing with Firebrand.

Fidelity is very supporting and understanding of my needs when on the programme itself. However when I raised the point that the course I was on was 40% networking and my role does not cover networking in a great extent, they were unable to help me as everything was set in the contract. I suggested changing from CompTIA Network+ Exam, to CompTIA A+ exam as this would be more relevant to my role, however they said this wasn't possible

Firebrand could have been better if I am honest. The training courses they provide are great, but the issue was that I felt the course I had been placed on was not relevant to my role. When I questioned this, I was told it was a 'stretch module' and that it was in my contract so I couldn't change it

As mentioned before, of the 2 qualification I was put in for; CompTIA Fundamentals, and CompTIA Network+, I felt that Network+ was not relevant to my role in 2nd line support where minimal networking is done. Instead I feel it would be much better to change the Network+ exam to the CompTIA A+ Exam as that is appropriate to my role/day to day activities.

Within early careers there are a number of social events run, however I don't think the same can be said for outside of early careers. Having said that, I do occasionally receive emails about volunteering days. This may also very depending on the team you are in and their attitude to social activities.

Yes

Overall I have found my time at Fidelity very enjoyable and have learnt a lot and feel valued within my team and the company as a whole.

The application process is more strengths based than academically based. As this is important for apprenticeships. I would also say to others to look carefully at any exams included within the apprenticeship contract and check if they are appropriate to you. If they are not, ask to change them as early as possible as I did not do this and ended up taking an exam/course which was not relevant to my day to day role.