Technical Presales Specialist Review

Tech Data is an IT distributor, selling IT solutions to our reseller partners. My role involves supporting the Sales team by providing technical advice to ensure that customers are being quoted for the correct products to suit their requirements. This means learning about the products that we sell so that I am able to demonstrate them to customers and answer technical questions around their deployment and use.

I already worked at Tech Data before starting this apprenticeship, but in a completely different role. I did have some transferrable skills, such as time management and attention to detail, but I have had to learn a lot of new skills for this role. My technical knowledge was pretty poor before I started the apprenticeship and that is the main thing I have had to work on. I have been given the opportunity to study and take part in lots of training courses. I have learnt so much and earned a number of IT qualifications along the way.

I have really enjoyed the programme so far. It's been great to have the opportunity to take the courses I have, which have helped improve my knowledge. The work is a good challenge and I feel like I will continue to learn throughout my career. I have a manager who encourages me and I work within a team who are happy to take some time to help me out if I don't understand something.

We did have some initial teething problems, but these were quickly sorted out. Overall the programme is well organised and courses are spread out to allow time to study as well as time to do my job. I have monthly meetings with my development coach to discuss my progress and I have weekly meetings with my fellow Tech Data apprentices where we share any issues and support each other.

Tech Data have been great in offering support. We have an Apprenticeship Manager who is very friendly and helpful. She is always happy to listen and quick to deal with any concerns we raise. My line manager is also very supportive. He recognises the value of the apprenticeship towards my development and has always allowed me to prioritise study or coursework when necessary.

Skillsoft have generally been good in supporting us. I have regular meetings with my Development Coach and he always offers help if I need it and makes sure I am comfortable with the workload I have. As a group of apprentices, we have had some issues during the course of the programme, but these have always been resolved quickly and in a friendly and professional manner.

Without the apprenticeship I would not be able to do this job. The apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to retrain for a career that is completely different to my previous role. The courses I have taken as part of the apprenticeship have given me the base knowledge I need and I am now applying and building upon this in my work.

Tech Data provides many opportunities to get involved in out of work activities and events. There is a Social Club that organises days/nights out and there are chances to get involved in other things like sports and volunteering initiatives. Unfortunately the Covid-19 pandemic meant that many of these had to be put of hold, but they still found ways to bring us together during lockdowns for online quizzes and social gatherings. As restrictions are lifting we have been promised a return to many of the extra-curricular events that we used to have.

Yes

Tech Data is a great place to work. There are lots of opportunities to train and progress - so many people that work here have changed roles or been promoted within the last few years. If you have the right attitude you will be given a chance. Also the company views it's employees as people, not just workers. They place a great deal of importance on getting the work/life balance right and have many initiatives to ensure that people feel safe and valued at work.

To apply to Tech Data, obviously an interest in technology would be a big plus - being able to demonstrate some knowledge around current products, trends or news related events would be helpful. In addition, Tech Data's core values are Collaboration, Excellence, Inclusion and Integrity, so it would be beneficial if you could mention examples or experiences where you have demonstrated these. Also Tech Data prides itself on being an ethical company and there are many initiatives around doing business the "right way".