ICT Degree Apprentice Review

Currently we move around throughout the business and work with different teams so that we can gain a better understanding of what the business does and hopefully find a discipline which we would like to work in permanently. Within each team we work with we learn the fundamentals of the role and gain an understanding as to why it is important for the business to carry out them tasks.

I have learnt a lot of new skills, especially when working with the control systems team during our Networks & Operating systems placement. I got to learn the basics of coding and was then able to use it to write my own programmes. Furthermore, I was also able to learn how a network is configured, managed and protected which was something completely new to me.

The programme I am on is a great opportunity for anyone looking to gain a degree whilst also earning a wage. It is providing me with the opportunity to not only study for my degree, but also learn valuable skills on the job so that when I finish my degree I will also have 5 years of experience in the job.

The course is well structured into different placements which each last around 8-10 weeks, allowing us to gain a good understanding of the skills which are needed in each placement. This is very beneficial because once we finish these placements, we will be permanently placed into one of these teams so already having a good understanding of what we have to do is a good head start.

You are never short of support on this apprenticeship as you receive it from everyone you meet. It is very clear to see that everyone you work with wants you to succeed as they all offer their personal support, whether it is your line manager, mentors or just someone in the office.

Our training provider do offer a good amount of support, especially with holding a support session on a Monday afternoon which anyone can attend if they need help. When it is a college day there are always tutors available to speak to if you are struggling with the work or have any other issues.

There are a lot of links between the work we do for our degree and the work we experience in the workplace. By studying the theory in the classroom it gives us a better understanding when we need to apply it in our job. I am confident that the skills I learn through the degree are helping me during my job.

There are some extra-curricular activities such as the apprentice council will allows the apprentices to share their opinion about different matters. There are not many extra-curricular activities, however I think this is understandable because we are receiving a degree with no debts as well as being employed so I do not think this is an issue with the apprenticeship.

Yes

It is the best opportunity for people wishing to study a degree because not only do you not have any student debt, but you are also being paid a good wage to work which in turn gives you great on the job experience. Furthermore, at the end of your degree you continue to work in your job and do not have to stress about finding a job after university.

I would definitely advise them to apply if they think it is something they would be interested in because there is nothing else, in my local area, which offers this kind of opportunity. I have friends and family who have either started this apprenticeship or already completed it and none of us regret applying.