Degree Apprentice Review

My role at Vodafone is Digital Degree Apprentice Data Science for the business sector (not personal contracts). My role looks at all the data we have as a company to try and provide AI and ML projects that can help to drive insights into how we can improve performance, whether that be customer experience or general sales. My day to day involves analysing data and building models to try and gain insight

Since taking on this role, my knowledge in coding has improved significantly - notably python AI and ML modules as well as SQL code to extract information from databases. In addition to the technical skills that have been gained as a result, my interpersonal skills have improved dramatically. The ability to understand people as well as public speaking to a group.

I would have to say to anyone thinking of doing this it is definitely worth going for. You get the ability to meet people that you never would have had the opportunity to doing a standard course, as well as learning invaluable skills that will not only help in your standard university work, but also in later life.

The apprenticeship programme is structured very well. Within the team I have been assigned, I have a "line manager" who is someone I can go to should I have any problems with the work that I am being tasked to complete, but also have the senior manager who is more than happy to hear concerns. Alongside this, Vodafone have a apprenticeship manager that handles any issues with the apprenticeship.

Again as said above, there are many forms of contact should I feel like I need to reach out to someone. At any point of the day I always feel like I can ask any question (in fact it is encouraged to talk rather than sit in silence) regardless of how silly it may be

There is some support from the university with regards to working towards my qualification, especially when we are in "uni time". However, I would say that during the course of my year long placement, I have felt a little detached from it because they send updates to the uni email rather than my work email so sometimes it can go unnoticed which isnt the best.

The training I receive through my qualification gives me the stepping stones on the technical information required to perform better in my role. The introduction to programming languages as well as the essential parts of computer science, e.g. database management, network security etc. In addition, we learn the best practices when it comes to coding, e.g. coding standards such as PEP8

There are a multitude of extra-curricular activities that I can get involved in at work. These range from team based activities to company wide activities. For example, we sometimes as a team go out for a meal to improve team building, whereas there are also committees such as the Youth programme that brings across all Youth within Vodafone for social activities.

Yes

Vodafone is a one of a kind place to work. Not only are the day to day tasks exciting and unpredictable that it makes every day unique, the people within Vodafone as well play a huge role in my reason to recommend. Everyone is outgoing and always trying to lend a helping hand to one another.

I would honestly say just to be yourself. There is no point faking who you are because when you get to working with everyone on a day to day basis you cant keep a facade up. Just be who you are and show interest in what Vodafone are trying to achieve globally through the projects they are undertaking.