IT Infrastructure Apprentice Review

Studying material related to the exams alongside learning the job at hand. Depending on the placement, this may include shadowing, being taught related topics on a whiteboard, labbing with equipment, assisting with basic tasks, researching given topics and so on. This may include following cables and adding and removing switches for networking, stripping down and rebuilding computers for deskside, observing admininistrstive management and customer communications in desktops and so on.

I have largely developed a wide range of skills and abilities that I had basic prior, existing knowledge of. This consists of an all around understanding of computer systems and how they work, which tend to be fairly complicated, to the point that the various systems and aspects worked on within the company all start to fit together logically.

The programme can be stressful at times due to self-imposed challenges that we set ourselves dictating which exams out of a selection we are trying to accomplish. However we are given more than ample support, a brilliant selection of tools and studying materials along with essentially limitless resources for learning more about IT.

The apprenticeship I am on is in its infant stage after having only recently been produced and has followed various teething problems especially externally, from unreliable and uncommunicative exam training providers to uncertainty concerning the official IT Infrastructure Apprenticeship outline servicd that the company must follow and is utilising. It lists outdated exams and has not been updated in a long time, however, my experience at the company itself has been consistently and steadily improving as issues are uncovered and ironed out with good feedback from myself and the other apprentices present. All issues with external providers are consistently being resolved as the people present at the company are very proactive with resolving issues as they know the arise, to the extent of finding alternative training providers and so forth.

The company provides fantastic support as an employer to provide funding and resources however issues may be regarding its attempts to become inclusive, however it was assumed that this would already be the case based company advertisements regarding diversity. However, steps are being taken to maintain this and improve the ethos overall which is positive.

The training provider provides no support when working towards the qualifications. The apprenticeship outline is outdated despite listing on the page that it would be regularly updated at specific dates... That are labelled years ago. It lists exams which are not present and have no direct replacements. They provide unclear and reasonably inappropriate methods of examining the apprentices with the details of a final interview at the end of the apprenticeship. They provide no further resources and pose questions relating to the exam which significantly underestimatr the work and training required to pass the initial exams listed. Essentially, "in this apprenticeship you will learn to turn on a computer" Is done by gaining a certainly above basic understanding of the inner workings in both software, hardware, security, networking and programming. Essentially, good if you realise what it is and make full advantage as a complete nerd. Not very reasonable from a presentational perspective however. Furthermore, the training provider for providing exam training failed to communicate with their mentors, did not provide the correct information, provided incomplete information, did not send information to the correct persons, had some trainees the wrong side of the nearby city as to their course, had consistently late and undertrained mentors, amongst other issues. They have since been replaced by a more reliable source for exam training.

As per the above, whichever definition of training provider is meant by this, the training providers are inadequate and unreasonable, essentially appearing to only put a half-effort in to providing a full and reasonable outline let alone a fully encompassing and educating experience. However, the opportunity provided by the training provider is again exploitable for nerds.

Situated within company fencing is a publically accessible recreational society building that hosts regular events, has a gym and even a bar. However these activities are not mandatory for the apprenticeship and not referenced by the company in regards to the apprenticeship specifically, therefore, not mandatory. Ten out of ten.

Yes

The company provided a fantastic base for starting out a career as they provide so much opportunity. This is explicitly shown in the tendency and availability for people to switch entire careers within the company as so many roles operate so vastly and the tendency to recruit from internal, preexisting employees is common!

If you are already applying at the company, congratulations! It is one of those few research institutes that do NOT turn you in to giant mantis men. However, going in to the interview with a positive mindset and an interested attitude should be considered mandatory, especially if the recruitment rates pick up for this specific apprenticeship. You should also be aware that the company itself gives absolutely zero support for new apprentices relocating and therefore you will be expected to fully fund remote living yourself on the very low wage provided. It is however possible.