Information Communications Technician Review

We fix computers using a three-step process: filtration (sorting working vs faulty devices), diagnosis (ordering parts for the devices and finding causes to issues documented by filtration), and repairs (fitting parts). I also use scanning tools to track and show where devices are at any time. There is also configurations, which is setting up computers.

I have learnt about asset tracking, prioritisation of customers, consistency and accuracy, and adaptability at this role. I would say that keeping good internal relationships is extremely important in this role, whereas external communication is not as beneficial.

I had a lot of help from my co-workers, and the job itself is not too difficult, however accuracy and consistency is vital for this job. I get a lot of support and assistance from the floor manager as well as my direct manager for my apprenticeship. However, I would say that my learning provider was not as beneficial and gave less frequent updates, due to how many students each mentor takes on, as well as the structure of the programme (I have no other frame of reference for this view). Overall, this has made my programme a lot more difficult and stressful.

On the company side, I would say there is a very good structure for apprentices and there are lots of opportunities to network and to catch up for reviews and improvement. We are given a week for admin and an apprenticeship induction, then at work, we are given the same induction as other employees (i.e. shadowing and learning on the job). I felt there was not enough communication between my company/my employer and Firebrand, which led to some degradation in the learning plan set out.

Though my manger does not make frequent catch-ups and contact with me, they make it clear that if I need support, that they will arrange it for me. He normally passes this through the floor manager, who does the same. My line manager will occasionally make plans in advance if they think that I would need the support for whatever reason (e.g. behind on work because of mandatory training or disability).

I do get some amount of leniency, and plans are frequently updated. In addition, my learning mentor is excellent in providing resources and guiding me to what my next goals are, as well as providing good advice for time management and work-life balance. The biggest fault is in the learning journey plan, where little time is planned for projects, or project time overlaps with study periods, or if a student cannot sit an exam on the training site (either because they aren't prepared, or for age, legal, or medical reasons), they must take/prepare the exam in their own time as well as study for the second part of their exam. I did massively benefit from the disability options and consultations that Firebrand has provided for me.

A lot of my in-work experience helped my exam preparation. For the reverse, not so much, as most of the skills needed in work are transferrable skills, not theoretical. However, it did help me gain a better knowledge of other roles, and I would feel more comfortable working in other similar roles than without my qualifications. I will attend a business skills course later, however this isn't until towards the end of my apprenticeship.

There is a wide range of events for employees to get involved in, and some are apprenticeship focussed/only. This goes from only a small team to an international scale, and these events are successful. I do not need to pay for them at all, and I am able to keep a good work-life balance if I did attend every single one.

Yes

There are a lot of benefits that I haven't seen at other companies. Apprenticeships do get a lot of support at work, it's just my specific apprentice role is undergoing some changes, so that unfortunately means that I have to do some of the troubleshooting. However, this is not standard, and I have heard lots of good things from others in the same role as well as others in different roles. While not perfect, the working culture and the people here make the job a lot easier. Support is given and managers are generally understanding.

Make sure that you have skills that display accuracy and be an altruistic person during your interviews. Being able to carry yourself well in a semi-informal ("smart casual") tone and having several anecdotes in the STAR method for each company value helps. Being able to highlight your interest and willingness to learn in your role as well as at staying at Computacenter by mentioning things you've researched (e.g. nine years average length of service, good pathway opportunities, work culture, a top and growing company) will also put you above other candidates.