ICT Local Support Review

ICT Local Support, sorting out issues that internal customers (employees of Canon) have with their work mobiles or laptops. Could be sorting out an issue with their emails not sending or rebuilding their laptop due to a hardware or software fault, e.g. laptop not booting. We interact with employees of Canon every day, rarely interact with external customers unless a ticket is escalated to Capgemini. Responsible for looking after our customers and keeping them updated with the progress of a ticket they have logged, or maybe just doing quick favours when sorting something for another customer. A project I was working on was taking apart scrap laptops and using the working components to fix another broken device. Rollouts are another frequent project, the biggest I was involved with was updating all employees laptops from Windows 7 to Windows 10.

As well as learning new hardware and software related technical skills, I also improved my communication skills. Going from a school environment to a working environment can be a bit of a shock because of the difference in how you behave, dress and speak to people. Canon offer courses to help you improve certain skills that you may not feel as confident with, so far i think the most beneficial course I have been on is the presentation course. Although I don't do many presentations, it certainly made me feel more confident with planning any I have been asked to do.

I very much enjoy working here and feel valued as an employee, everyone is very friendly and welcoming, and I know there would always be someone to voice any concerns to. Also not treated any different as an apprentice to other employees that have been working for Canon for longer. The apprenticeship is also very interesting, it really helps with getting you into the correct mind set for working, especially if you have had a few months off after college. As well as this, it helps develop your verbal and writing skills.

My manager and colleagues are always very supportive and recognise achievements as well as how much I have improved throughout the year. They also pass on feedback that other colleagues have given to them about my progress and improvements. Whenever I see anyone from HR they always ask how I’m doing and if I’m enjoying it which makes you feel like a valued person in the company as opposed to 'just another employee'.

Very well organised, there are always clear objectives of what I need to complete in the month from my college assessor, and my manager and colleagues also have a good understanding of what i need to be doing. My manager also allowed me time during the working week to go and work on the coursework for a few hours as he didn't expect me to be doing all of it in my own time.

I only see my assessor once a month but whenever he comes in, he sits with us and goes through the work we have done for the month and makes sure we are confident with what we are expected to do for the next month. He is also always available to talk to via email and phone and is always happy to explain something that we might be stuck on.

Any questions or issues I’ve had I’ve always been able to talk to my manager or team or other employees as they are always happy to help me out. I'm also pushed out of my comfort zone to ensure I improve in areas that I don't work on as frequently.

Many people I’ve spoken to presume you’re paid minimum wage when doing an apprenticeship and can’t afford to do anything but that isn’t the case with Canon. Despite the fact that I pay rent once a month, petrol 3 or 4 times a month and have started my pension, I still have the money to go for days out with friends and don’t feel like I’m restricted with what I can do because I can’t afford it.

There are many opportunities outside of work such as volunteering days, military fitness and Pilates a couple of lunch times a week, and a cycle to work scheme. Discounts are also offered for musical or theatre productions, or for family days out. The company also offers events where employees from other offices can come to the main office to allow you to meet people you possibly speak to a lot on the phone or over email, but wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity to speak to them face to face.

Yes

I would definitely recommend Canon to a friend because it is a great place to work and everyone is lovely and really helpful. Doing an apprenticeship at Canon would look great on your CV as it is a large, respectable company with many opportunities to develop your skills and grow as a person.

Be enthusiastic and willing to learn new things. Know some of the background of the company and the products that Canon makes, it's not only cameras and printers like a lot of people may think..! it’s always good to be able to admit your weaker areas and have a plan of how you want to improve.