Digital Degree Apprentice Review

by Vodafone

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9.6/10

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

My role as a digital degree apprentice currently is to attend university. I am currently in my first year of university studying Computer Science at the University of Birmingham, so a typical day for me includes completing my lectures and any assignments I have.

10/10

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

Since starting the apprenticeship, I have been to develop my programming skills in Java as well as learning SQL. I have also become far more independent from attending university from living out and balancing a social life with my studies, which is an important life skill.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I am currently enjoying the programme as it has allowed me to have the full immersive university experience alongside being able to go on placements in the summer and my year in industry to understand how what I have learned at university is used in practise, which is something I’m looking forward too.

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

It’s very well organised. First year is studying at UoB with a 10 week placement in summer. You then go onto studying second year at UoB and then have your year in industry and then you have your final year. Despite there being a lot of time at university, Vodafone keep in touch with us and we have tripartite meetings every few months so we can raise any concerns or ask any questions.

10/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

We receive a good amount of support from Vodafone. We have tripartite meetings every few months which are meetings we have with a Vodafone representative (Zoe Coates) and our university tutor where we can raise any concerns, ask for support etc. These are really helpful to air out any problems or asking general questions.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

The university of Birmingham are good with providing support. If at any point you need an extension on an assignment or extra time in exams it’s very easy to contact computer science welfare who can help you granting extensions as well as offering support through meetings.

10/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

As I am in my first year, I haven’t been on a placement yet. However the placements we are offered do have an overlap with what we are studying at university.

7/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

10/10

9a. Would you recommend Vodafone to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

It’s one of the few schemes where you can study full time at university while getting a salary.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Vodafone?

Do research into Vodafone and what they have recently been working on, particularly in technology.