Apprentice Field Technician Review

As a field technician my role is to install and upgrade the current services which Vodafone provide. I help expand our network to make it even bigger so we have have more customers. I drive round in a van going from Vodafone and other providers site to deliver the task.

I have learnt a number of new skills from installing equipment, linking equipment together and removing old equipment. I have also learnt how tp log onto equipment to change configuration. I have learnt a lot about how the internet works and how the signals are transmitted at different wave lengths.

I love how I came in as an apprentice but was never looked down on and just taken on as any other engineer. The people on my team are very supportive when I need help or I am unsure if I'm doing the right thing. Also due to working on my own a lot of the time I have a sense of freedom.

The program is very well structured, I learn 80% on the job and 20% off the job. The off the job learning is very well structured as it's set over a few days in total 5 times. Also the on the job learning is well structured as there is a lot to learn and they do a good job of teaching you the basics early on and building from that.

A lot! When I was working with my mentor there was no such thing as a silly question. If I was unsure of what to do he would ask me what I think I should do, so that I could try and work it out before doing an install. Now I'm on my own all I need to do is phone someone and they're happy to help.

A lot also! I have to complete a portfolio and show evidence that I can complete my job. I document this and then show my skills coach. He's very good as saying how I can make it stronger and how I can improve it. I've had that much support I'm nearly finished 4 months early.

I feel like I've learnt a lot on the calls and after the calls feel like I won't use that information. But then I'll be doing a task on the job and see that something I learnt on the calls is being applied in the physical side of the job.

There are activities such as charity work and other activities to take part in, I have only been here 6 months and joined in covid so I haven't managed to explore all the opportunities available. Something I will look at is Vodafone offer 5 days paid work to go and help volunteer with a charity which is something I'm interested in.

Yes

When I left my old job and came to Vodafone I was nervous for a new job, new people and a new career. The people here are excellent and make you feel like one of them straight away. Also the wage is very good - especially for an apprentice but also the pension is very good also.

Be confident and trust your instinct but also listen to those people helping you. Also you need to be willing to learn every single day. If you just want to do the same thing every day then it's not for you, but if you like being on your own when working, and doing something new everyday then I would highly recommend it.