ICT Degree Apprentice Review

I am currently doing a number placements around the business so my day-to-day tasks change quite frequently. Some of these placements are IT based, and some are control based. My day-to-day tasks in the first control placement included programming, building networks and installing operating systems. The first IT placement included analysing and building maps and building simulation models. Currently in my second control placement, I am learning about gamma and neutron detectors systems which includes wiring them up and, for gamma systems, calibrating them using radioactive sources and computer software.

During the first 8 months I undertook a 'Performing Engineering Operations' course which is practical work. Most of the course material was new to me so I developed skills such as soldering, how to read circuit diagrams and how to use CAD. From my placements so far, I have learnt skills such as how to program in Python, how to network PCs using switches and firewalls and how to build model simulations. Aside from the technical skills, I have also been able to develop my interpersonal skills and presentation skills - I have been in offices most of the time so I have been able to speak to a variety of different people. I also have to do presentations at the end of each placement.

The structure of the programme is good and I enjoy the variety of departments I get to experience. I have found all, of the placements so far interesting and have learnt a lot from them. The advantage of doing placements is that if you do not enjoy a particular placement, it is only 8/10 weeks long until you move to another placement. I have found aspects that I do not enjoy as much, such as programming and building networks, but it's been good to learn about them so that I have some knowledge for the future. The academic side of the apprenticeship is going well and I have enjoyed some of the subjects such as Nuclear and Maths. I enjoy coming to work and I am looking forward to the rest of the apprenticeship.

The first couple of months on the PEO (Performing Engineering Operations) course were not the most organised since there was a communication mix up between the training provider and my employer. This lead to us having a lot of work to do and not much time to do it. This also meant that the practical aspect of the course was hindered. However, after this, the programme has been very structured. The different placements that I attend are agreed in advance with mentors around the business. There has been no problems with transitioning from placement to placement. There is also a document which illustrates all of the dates and locations for the placements. The academic side is very organised and I can see the breakdown of what I have studied and what I will be studying in the future.

I receive support from my employer - there are many people which I can contact. I have regular meeting with my line manager to check there are no issues. I was also assigned 2 mentors at the start of the apprenticeship. One of them is a professional mentor which can help in my professional development and the other is a scheme mentor which I can go to for any advice about the scheme in general. I have mentors which support me through each placement and these ensure that I am completing the work and understanding it.

The support I receive from my training provider is varied. Some tutors are very supportive, helpful and are good at explaining the subject. Some tutors also put a lot of revision/course material on the intranet for students to see. The intranet is very helpful for looking over anything you missed or didn't quite understand, as well as for revision for exams. Other tutors however are not the best at explaining subjects and do not put enough content on the intranet.

In the first year I studied general engineering subjects such as maths, electrical, nuclear and mechanical. These didn't relate directly to my work, but provided a good foundation of engineering knowledge. I am currently studying modules which directly relate to the work I am or will be doing in my role, and so I believe these modules will help me perform better in my role. I can also see what modules I am going to be studying in the future; some of these modules are more specialised, and so they will help me understand specifics for my role.

There are extra-curricular activities but I do not participate in them at present; I don't know a lot about them. I plan to get involved in some of these activities in the future, such as the 'Tall Ships Challenge' where you spend a few days on a boat doing team building activities. I do play football with a couple of people from work every week but this was not set up directly through work.

Yes

The nature of the work makes it a very unique and interesting place to work. It is large company with a variety of different roles available, so you could spend your career here and do a number of roles which are completely different to each other. Undertaking an apprenticeship also means that you are earning money, whilst getting a qualification and relevant experience.

I would say read about the role/apprenticeship you are applying for before you apply to ensure that you are making the right decision. Before an interview, learn some facts about the company and what they do. It will also help if you have relevant experience for the place you want to work, so try and get work experience if you are in school/college. If you didn't study maths or physics or other relevant subjects at A-level, you can still get onto the degree apprenticeships. There is a 4 month 'bridging course' which you undertake at the start of the apprenticeship, that brings everybody up to the same level.