Digital Degree Apprentice Review

Day-to-day: Completing university studies with my training provider the University of Birmingham. Daily tasks: Programming, Problem Solving, Team/Project work. Projects: Web App development, campus app design and requirements gathering, full-stack development (paired work), final year project (4 year) Interactions: Lecturers, Tutors, TAs. Vodafone Interactions: HR manager/lead for the program, any member of a team I'm working with on placement. Placements are 10 weeks between year 1 and year 2 of the university. The entirety of 3rd year.

Modules covering: Core Knowledge 1: Technology Solutions Core Knowledge 2: Technology Investments Core Knowledge 3: Software Systems Core Knowledge 4: Teamwork Core Knowledge 5: Data Management Core Knowledge 6: Network Vulnerabilities Core Knowledge 7: Organisational roles, functions and activities Core Knowledge 8: Strategic Decisions Core Knowledge 9: Technology Solutions Project ​​​​​​​Core Skill 1: Information Systems Core Skill 2: Systems Development Core Skill 3: Data Core Skill 4: Cyber Security Core Skill 5: Business Organisation Core Skill 6: IT Project Management Core Skill 7: Computer and Network Infrastructure Core Behaviour 1: Written Communication Core Behaviour 2: Verbal Communication Core Behaviour 3: Negotiation Core Behaviour 4: Interpersonal Skills Core Behaviour 5: Active Listening Core Behaviour 6: Giving and receiving feedback Core Behaviour 7: Analytical and Critical Thinking Core Behaviour 8: Business Need Core Behaviour 9: Research Core Behaviour 10: Business Disciplines Core Behaviour 11: Flexible Attitude Core Behaviour 12: Perform Under Pressure Core Behaviour 13: Thorough approach to work Core Behaviour 14: Problem Solving

I love my degree apprenticeship program! Getting paid while studying for my degree is a huge plus and a stress reliever. It's much easier to fit in a better social life and have more time for studying than other students. The pay and working for a huge telecom is particularly motivating.

The overall structure is as follows: Year 1: 1st Year Bsc. Summer Break: 10 weeks summer placement in Vodafone team. Year 2: 2nd Year Bsc Year 3: Placement year at Vodafone with Digital team. Year 4: 3rd Year Bsc. The overall structure outlined is perfect. I'm really happy at the end of my 2nd year to be getting a break from studying (which can feel 24/7, especially around exam periods) and going into the coorprate 9-5 world with all the professional expierence that will offer me. Structure of uni modules varies widely from module to module: Some modules are very well organised others could do better.

My placement manager for my first year was on hand to help even in his very busy schedule with 1 to 1s etc. Those in the team were happy to take time to assist me with new concepts and ideas e.g. Adobe Analytics, AWS, Jupyter Notebooks, Teradata, SQL etc

My education provider, the University of Birmingham, has many processes in place for providing extensions/waivers etc when circumstances take place. e.g. during my second year, I was a victim of crime and they were very understanding in making sure it didn't unfairly impact me. I have a tutor appointed and bi-weekly meetings, as well as 3 tripartite meetings with vodafone, present a year.

My first year of university was massively helpful in aiding my work on a summer placement. To give a few specific examples: My AI module meant that meetings within my data science team covering the best practices for machine learning e.g. random forest trees, linear and logistic regression were not entirely new concepts for me. Additionally, my full stack module in year 1 covered SQL which was useful for querying vodafones huge data lake.

There is always lots going on in Vodafone. Covid did get in the way of that while on placement in the summer of 2021. I know that the particular team I was though have had office away days and company treats as a result of good performance though. My placement manager for next year says a monthly trip to a London bar/pub after work is appreciated.

Yes

The scheme separating uni and placements is very unique there is only one other major employer that offers something similar for Computer Science Bsc last time I checked. Vodafone has great employee benefits including retail discounts, a very competitive pension, and the guarantee of a job at the end of my programme (subject to reasonable critera). Also, the diversity/inclusion within Vodafone is great.

My interview (a long time ago now) had some fun, creative questions mixed in there so be brave and think outside the box. Customer service is an important value so ensure you have some examples where you think you could've had an improved experience. You'll also want the usual competency questions covered. Good Luck!