Planning Apprentice Review

Receiving and reviewing job tickets, prioritising them and fulfilling what is required for each job ticket. Although the category of job can fall under the same 'genre', no two jobs are the same and the time spent to complete them can vary from a couple of hours, to a few months. This can be anything from naming a fibre cabinet, to planning a complete design for a new opportunity.

I've learned a lot of new skills relating to software I haven't previously used. I have also learned a lot of new jargon and information about things I had no idea about. Off the back of this, I've developed previously existing skills on software I have previously used and also just general things such as organisation and time management.

Although the apprenticeship is interesting and I've learned a lot of new information, it is quite hard to fit it into my role. My apprenticeship is Project Management whereas my role doesn't actually fall under any direct project management and I have to exaggerate some of the things I'm doing in order to match the work that is required from me for my qualification. There has also been a lot of miscommunication and mismanagement from the company running the programme which has hindered my enjoyment a fair bit.

From an outsiders perspective, there doesn't seem to be a consistent structure or business plan to the programme. I've received different information for the same questions from various different staff members within the same organisation. On top of that, I have had my development hindered and somewhat punished due to not following a rule that has been set by one specific person, but is the opposite rule to someone else. It's quite subjective and no one seems to be on the same page. It's quite confusing and disheartening and it has diminished a lot of enthusiasm I had for the programme.

I receive a lot of support from my employer, especially my manager. Any concerns, questions or feedback has been met with respect and acknowledgement. When concerns have been raised recently about the programme, a lot has been done from my employer to make sure we have all been heard and any issues are tried to be rectified.

We receive a good amount of support and feedback is usually welcomed, however the support is inconsistent and sometimes questions aren't answered in a straightforward manner and have to be asked multiple times before receiving the correct answer, however this may be due to the way it is being asked and not on the provider itself. The time taken to support us is good - however there is a noticeable lack of consistency in the help and support we receive from themselves.

Honestly, not a lot. The qualification doesn't really match the job role and I'm doing it more as a means to an end in order to do the role itself. Although it is a very good qualification to have, I struggle to think of any ways it has or will help me carry out my role.

There are activities, however due to Covid19 it has understandably halted and is only slowly opening back up to everyone. My employer are eager to hold events for my cohort involved in the apprenticeship as we are all over the UK and it would be beneficial for us to meet and network with each other about the programme.

Yes

The support you receive from Virgin Media O2 is unparalleled and all feedback is met with an open mind. The benefits are also a plus, however I think a happy and supportive working environment is a lot more important than little incentives you can receive throughout the year and for that reason I think it is a great place to work and would recommend to anyone after the same type of working environment. It is also a great place the move up the career ladder or delve into different departments if that was something you looked at, too.

I would tell them to just be themselves as that is something important to the company and something they value in their employees. It's a lovely environment with lots of support so to be able to relax and enjoy the recruitment process (as much as possible!) and not be afraid to reach out and ask for any further help or information on the role they're applying for.