Access Planning Apprentice Review

by Virgin Media O2

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7.6/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I am a Business Planner, It requires me to complete site surveys, plan fibre networks and extend the network to reach more customers. I will talk to customers, order owners, fibre splicers, contract workers, installation engineers and business engineers daily to help the work progress. I am currently running a project for my area which is getting off net circuits on net.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I am trained in planning fibre networks, simple and complex. I have taken courses in people management, mental wellbeing and I am a voice representative which represents the people in my team.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I am really happy in the team, the work is challenging but do-able, Virgins culture is beyond other companies. I am still on the programme and I will be finishing in October. I really enjoy the challenges and the rewards.

10/10

4. How valued do you feel by Virgin Media O2?

I feel like my input is valued as much as any other employee, especially as I was elected voice rep for the team.

10/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

There has been a change recently and they have removed the apprentice managers, since this occurred the structure of the programme has declined somewhat.

4/10

6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?

Since the loss of the apprentice managers, the support has been lacking, although I do have a very good mentor who helps me along the way.

4/10

6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?

My manager is a bit laps and not very present but that is not just to me, it's the team. but when they are around they do provide support.

7/10

7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?

I wasn't an apprentice before this and I carried my salary over when becoming one, I have less money now as it costs a lot more in fuel to get to work than before, before I had a company vehicle.

8/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

There are a fair amount of opportunities outside work, there are plenty of charity events that we can take part in. We are doing a 10km rough runner as a team this year in aid to the brain tumor charity.

6/10

9. Would you recommend Virgin Media O2 to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

They have a relaxed work space, everyone is working towards the same goal, you feel part of the team straight away. some companies can segregate the apprentices but not here!

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Virgin Media O2?

There are assessment days which require you to work in teams, complete a presentation and an interview. I would recommend learning as much as you can of the history of Virgin Media/Liberty Global.