Rating

8.2/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • I build emails using HTML code combined with Dreamweaver for various clients, some clients I do almost everyday. I execute daily sends for a few clients also. I also design emails using Photoshop.

    9/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • We have an external skills learning service that we can use for free in or out of work, I've begun programming thanks to that. I've definitely improved my HTML coding, before I knew some by memory but now I could code an entire site without a web editor. I think my communication skills have improved a lot too, coming into contact with a lot of different people everyday means you learn to adapt quickly.

    9/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • I really like working at my employer, they're really chill and everyone is friendly. My employer offers a lot of benefits too e.g. casual dress, free breakfast, which helps you become a lot more comfortable with the idea of working everyday for the rest of your life. The provider could be a bit more laid back. Not letting us use the kettle, formal dress, etc. I feel treated like an adult in the workplace but the provider is stuck in the high school mentality. "You have to wear this because this is what real life is like" but I can go into work in a hoodie and jeans everyday... The teaching is delivered by someone with an aiding powerpoint, it's a small class so it's nice for me not to feel the pressure of being surrounded by people. The teacher is very informal and relaxed, though not everyone there is the same.

    8/10

  • 4. How valued do you feel by Escalla?
  • I was given ample responsibility early on in the apprenticeship and I felt valued for that reason. The responsibility increased as my skills and competence improved, showing they recognised my growth.

    10/10

  • 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • I often need to nudge one of my mentors to communicate with me. If they haven't set me work, I usually have to take initiative and start a random unit myself so I don't get behind. During the training week we have every two months it's a lot more structured, but in the workplace there are large gaps between talks.

    4/10

  • 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
  • It really depends who I'm talking to, each individual there is different but on the whole because of how spaced out the company is it's not a lot of support.

    5/10

  • 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • Lots. Couldn't be better. I have frequent catch ups with my line manager who makes sure I'm not too stressed out or overworked. I'm a bit of a workaholic and so don't take time off for anything, but they always say if I need some time to help myself I can take time off and they won't penalise me.

    10/10

  • 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
  • Amazing salary and benefits. Full stop.

    10/10

  • 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
  • We're a very social company and HR put on social events frequently e.g. going out for a meal, summer party, secret santa. They encourage learning with our external learning service.

    9/10

  • 9. Would you recommend Escalla to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • It's just a great place to work. I don't think anyone wouldn't want to work here. They hire people who share a mindset. Other companies take work really seriously, dressing up in suits, having strict rules, but it doesn't have to be like that.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Escalla?
  • Always have side projects. Get a website, a creative hobby, something. I cannot stress how important it will be you have a side project that shows you can work independently with skills you developed yourself. It sets you apart from the other candidates who just have GCSEs/A-levels/Degrees, they won't have your super cool unique project! Also, don't knock apprenticeships. There's a stigma around them. They're not just for the people who didn't do well. I got 6 As at GCSE, hated sixth form, love it here.


Details

Level 3 Apprenticeship

Information Technology

North West

June 2016


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