Business support (network design) Review

Over a week I have 2 days dedicated to my study for university (Monday and Friday) and the other three days we are completing contact work. to support with this we have a mentor. One of the study days will be for our university lessons and the other is to do our university work. Generally through the week I come into the office complete the learning I do for the additional qualification we have to attain. I am then usually on calls and get a small piece of work to complete,

Yes, I have learnt excel skills, data and databases skills, and networking skills. the networking skills that I have learnt includes doing a change on a router and switch and also simple coding in the labs. furthermore I feel I have also developed my soft skills, such as giving a presentation or speaking with stakeholders in the business.

Yes, I enjoy my programme. I feel that I am well supported by the people around me and there are lots of opportunities to network with other apprentices in and outside the business. I also enjoy learning at the university then using the skills that I have learnt in the workplace.

The programme has been relatively structured but there has been a few complications, such as my manger changed within a month of being here and they are not in our office. it has also taken over six moths for myself and others to be given work that aligns with our apprenticeship. However we have been supported and we have regular meetings.

I have received a lot of support from my employer for example we have regular meeting with our manager to discuss lour programme. the management are also very accommodating if we need to take time off for hospital or doctors appointments. They also provide additional support for people with medical conditions.

We have had a lot of support with our qualifications as we get two days a week towards studying towards out qualification. This means that we have sufficient time to study and complete any coursework. We have also has support when we have had to go down to university for a week as the training provider has provided transport, food and accommodation.

through my training provider we have had the opportunity to research the company and then present this to a small group of people. Opportunities such as this one, are regularly provided and allow us to perform better in our role, as it gives us experience working in groups, preparing a prestation and speaking for an audience, these are all skills that will help us in our roles.

there are sports teams such as a football club, which people can choose to go to. We have also had lots of social events which consist mainly of going to local bars and networking. More recently, we have been given the opportunity to network with other apprentices in Manchester from a range f companies.

Yes

It allows people to study and learn on the job. Therefore you can build up experience of working in a business and have experience of university, I have felt incredibly supported as well which I feel is important. Also, students on the apprenticeship are not left with a large debt.

Don't feel that you have to come onto an apprenticeship with an abundance of knowledge. Apprenticeships are setup to cater for all levels and you will pick it up along the way. However, to feel more confident when you enter the business, do your reading about the business and look at what they do ( this will help you in the interview process also).