IT Infrastructure Apprentice Review

I am an IT Infrastructure Apprentice. I accept user tickets involving the VPN connection application here at 3M. I support the users and try to help them find a resolution when working on their computers. I also have the responsibility of setting up business partner and branch office VPN Connections to 3M, this involves working with the contacts from other companies and hosting meetings to gather the correct information needed to set up the connection. I also plan and carry out projects, these projects involve all different types of things and involve me to communicate and interact with people internally and externally. These projects I have to manage the time schedule, send out communications monthly, manage the people involved and the responsibilities.

I have learnt many new skills, I have learnt all about VPN, firewalls, troubleshooting, better communication skills. These are only some of the skills I have learnt during my time at 3M, there are many more skills I use on a day to day basis. I have gained a level 3 systems and networking qualification with my external training at 3M and I am now working towards the higher level 4 qualification. I have gained certifications and should hopefully gain some more in the level 4.

I very much enjoy my programme, i enjoy the work i am given and the responsibilities I have now been set during my time at the company. The work can be very challenging, but I enjoy the challenge. I enjoy the team and people I work with as well as the company as a whole, I find it very interested and am proud to say that I work at 3M. My programme has exceeded my expectations!

I feel very valued by 3M, I am a member of the team and definitely feel like a valued member. I have review meetings with my manager and receive appreciation which is brilliant as this has not happened to me before. I feel as though I have gained recognition throughout the company, internally and externally as I have to speak with partners on a daily basis. My involvement and work is always valued and appreciated here at 3M, which makes me want to keep trying harder.

It is quite well organised and structured. Sometimes I need to ask extra questions as there has been a few things I am unsure of at times. The training is very organised as it is set out at the beginning of the year my apprenticeship starts, and the support is very organised as I always know who I can go to about any issues I may have.

I receive a lot of support from my tutor and assessor. Any questions I have about any work going on, they are always there to answer and support it. There is plenty of guidance which me and my assessor go over every time we meet.

I receive great support from my employer. My manager is very supportive, he always answers my questions no matter how many questions I have. We have monthly review meetings which is a great chance to catch up and discuss things, and my manager always asks me if I am ok with the work I am set.

My Salary is ok. I feel as though for the amount of work I do at the company it should be more, but at the end of the day I am an apprentice and am learning on the job which I do always have time to do. Sometimes I do struggle in the month, usually towards the end due to the travel costs of petrol and it can sometimes affect my social costs.

Yes. Plenty of opportunities outside work. There are always company events on going and plenty of activities to get involved with. I find that 3M is a very sociable company, colleagues are also friends which is nice. There is also a gym which is a great way to get fit even in the building.

Yes

It's great :)

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