ICT degree apprentice Review

I'm an ICT degree apprentice which means that my job has IT and control systems aspects to it. At the moment I'm doing training modules which last 8-10 weeks. Some modules are IT ones and others are control systems. For example the first control systems module I was working with programming computers with python, operating systems and creating networks with firewalls and network switches. For the first IT placement I worked with creating and editing maps and building and testing simulations. The department I was in build simulations to help answer questions from the company.

I took a GCSE in computing where I learnt to program in Microsoft visual basic so I already had some programming experience but I had never programmed using python but after doing the training module, I now have a basic knowledge of python. From the same module, I also learnt how to build and network and configure it. Finally on the IT side I learnt how to create maps and simulations.

I'm really enjoying my program at the moment since the work I'm doing is very varied and interesting. For example I've been programming computers and creating and editing maps for the business. These are 2 areas which are interesting and completely different from one another. I also think that everyone in these departments have been really friendly and added to the experience.

From January to September 2018 I was doing a PEO (Performing Engineering Operations). This is basically where I do basic practical work such as electrical wiring, electronics and mechanical. Although I most of what I did interesting I didn't think it was that organised since we only found out we were being assessed on the work 3 months into it, which meant that I had loads of work to do in a short period of time. After the PEO things got much better since I started doing my training modules in the different departments. I feel like this is a much better way to run an apprenticeship than other schemes I've heard about, where you just get put in a department straight away. I feel that doing these training modules is preparing me more for my future role.

I feel I receive lots of support since I have regular meetings with my line manager who provides useful advice. My employer has also given me a scheme and professional mentor. My professional mentor helps me with my professional development and my scheme mentor helps me with my degree. The scheme mentor is also someone who's been through a similar scheme so they also provide useful advice.

It can sometimes be difficult to get good support since some of the lecturers aren't helpful and I only have college one day a week so it can be hard to get enough time with them. However there are one or two lectures which are very helpful and provide plenty of support. For example one of them sometimes gives up time at evenings or weekends to help you.

Most of what I have done so far at college doesn't seem to link to my work too well. This could be because I've only covered the modules which cover the basic principles of engineering such as electrical, mechanical and maths. However at the moment, I'm doing a sequence control module and one of the aspects of this module is working with PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and although I haven't started working with them and work yet, I know that I will at some point since they form a large part of control systems.

I haven't heard of any but there are lots of activities in the area such as football, Kayaking and cycling which people from the workplace gets involved in. Most departments go on work nights out in Whitehaven also. The only activity I can think of which was organised by work is every year apprentices sail to Ireland.

Yes

I think it's a good company to work for with plenty of opportunities for progression. There's also lots of different types of jobs which means there's opportunities to have a career change if you wish. Finally if you are someone who lives in the local area, and don't want to move away, it's one of the best companies to work for in the area.

Like any other company, you need to make sure that you know what the company does before you go for an interview. It's also really good to get some work experience in the field you want to go into and even better if you can get work experience with the company. For example I got work experience for Sellafield through something called the dream placement and it gave me a good overview of what Sellafield does which meant I knew more than other people about the company and they were impressed that I had made the effort to get work experience with them. Finally if you're at the stage where you are picking your A levels/ BTECs, try to think what you want to do after them and base your decision off that, since I did A levels and BTECs which suited the apprenticeship I was applying for really well.