Digital Degree Apprentice Review

I am and have been working in a diverse, apprenticeship-based role within Cheshire East ICT Services. Within my apprenticeship I have worked across a wider variety of teams within the ICT service: ICT Service Desk, Technical Desktop, Networks, Schools Support, and more recently within the operation security team. On a day-to-day basis, this involves communicating within the team, completing tasks both independently and with others, developing technical, professional, and interpersonal skills to ensure that you develop as a working professional. Further to this, there is/was also involvement in working within and running varied projects to gain further responsibility and develop project management skills.

Short answer, yes! Longer answer: Yes, I have developed skills relating to my personal and professional development, and also relating to technical solutions and skills required within the workplace. This has been from both internal and external training from work, from skills workshops delivered by the university, and from completing additional learning within my own personal time. This has been crucial in ensuring that I work as an educated and well-developed member of staff within work, but also to ensure that I was able to adequately complete my university studies, and enable me to receive a high final degree classification.

I enjoyed this apprenticeship and associated work programme in a multitude of ways. In my earlier years (2017-19), this was my first experience within a formal organisation and enabled me to understand and develop my working practices. It was also my first experience within a university setting so allowed me to "dip my toes" into academic writing and university life within level 4. Within the last two years of my apprenticeship, this was mostly in a remote/working from home capacity, this proved a challenge but enabled me to develop my working practises further, which enabled me to have more time for personal enjoyment/reflection, and enjoy my work at different times or work settings.

The digital technology solutions (Cyber Security Specification) programme of work was both well organised and structured from the start of joining the programme, in September of 2017. This has enabled me to understand how the university works within my first year, develop the skills required, and then implement those skills within the same structure in the final years, to gain a high degree classification. This also enabled me to rely on the structured working, during the change in working locations due to Covid19.

My employer is and was very supportive, more supportive than most other employers were within the apprenticeship. I had a specific apprenticeship mentor within work to direct any queries, deliver some training and recommendations from their own personal "stint" at university, and be the "battering ram" whenever it came to any issues relating to the split between work and university. The employer as a whole was supportive, and, specifically during the final hand-in periods, there was a specific focus on ensuring that adequate time and support was offered to enable myself to submit quality work.

Within Manchester Metropolitan University, I was assigned a specific "skills coach" who worked as a liaison between me, my employer, and the university. They were very helpful, highlighted further support which I had access to, and provided support on workloads, any potential issues, and if there were any issues within work. This was useful and crucial in helping me complete my degree.

I am a much more "well-rounded" and confident employee. I am now an expert in pestering, which more professionally means that I have a high level of confidence in both my own ability, self-worth within work, and believe that I deserve people's time as much as a "non-apprentice". This was an issue previously as I would wait for people's attention, instead of pushing for action. I have developed my critical thinking skills to a high level and have effectively implemented this within my work. This has enabled me to identify any areas which could require change and given me the confidence to say ".. that doesn't seem right." My academic writing, competency, and professionalism is now well developed, in a way which it wouldn't have been, without the support/training from MMU.

Due to working from home, and the covid 19 pandemic, this question is a little harder to answer. Prior to this, there were activities available on an organization, service, and team level. Currently, there are informal chat sessions, team meetings, and the occasional quiz. As an organization, there is definitely work being done to enable this activity to be available, the pandemic just made things harder!

Yes

It's a public sector organization, and as such is a different experience from that of a private company. There is care given to ensure an apprentice develops and that they are safeguarded/given help around understanding a professional environment. There are multiple "acting up" options given, which enable employees to complete more senior roles and gain experience. It's just a nice place to work to be quite frank.

Show that you care about the organization and delivering service. Complete some research into the organization, the specific area your apprenticeship will be around and give a plan on what you wish to gain, and how you wish to grow. Also, have a good question to ask, that always seems to help.