Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprentice Review

My role is highly varied, but involves the development of various tools relating to data processing and data quality. My role is mainly centered around that of a data engineer, but I love it. Generally, my day is nicely structured with a good balance between meetings/individual work and uni work, although we are currently home-based, I am hopeful of a return to the office sometime soon so I can't start interacting with peers again.

I have learnt many skills about many different areas. Mostly this is centered around programming in Python. I use this a lot for developing microservices that handle and control data, so we can remain compliant with the strict regulations that Vodafone has for how it handles data. I have also been exposed to presenting to senior management and have had a chance to develop these skills as well. Finally, I have also used various types of databases and this has been really useful in my degree

Overall, I enjoy it very much! Of course work is work, but when this is mixed with a lot of learning as well I find that is when I enjoy my job the most. I believe that Vodafone has a great ethos surrounding learning and this is centered on the Vodafone University. This is a great way to study on so many different areas that could interest yourself and then share these achievements with colleagues over time.

My programme with Blackpool and the Fylde College/Vodafone is structured very well. There is a good cadence to the whole thing and this is what I like the most when learning, we move through at a nice pace and there aren't gaps between modules in the learning path. Internally, the induction was well organized and it was great to interact/network with my peers, we also have many events to attend along our pathway to help us develop into technology professionals.

The support from my employer is great. When I started at Vodafone I was assigned an apprentice buddy and a HR contact that I could talk to about anything. I am also very lucky that I have an encouraging manager who supports me and wants me to succeed. She is helpful in removing obstacles that block my work/uni study and she always has time, even if I just want a quick chat for 5 minutes.

Again, this is very good as well. At the moment, all the training is being conducted virtually and will continue to do so even after the covid pandemic has receded. However, this has improved communication as we use applications such as Microsoft teams and this means it's easier than ever to contact my tutor and ask for feedback from the module leads on essays and such. I have a session with my tutor every 3 months, or at the end of each module as well.

I am able to use skills that I have learnt in my degree course to further my work in the office. For example, we had a great module based on databases and I was able to work with my manager and obtain some work regarding the implementation of a new database for a product that was soon to be launched. This is a great example of how the two have merged together, and sometimes it can even be the other way around - skills from my job further my uni work.

I know there are lots of activities and societies available at Vodafone. However, I have yet to explore these. This is purely down to me as these are advertised extensively by Vodafone to all staff, including apprentices. The covid pandemic has also made this difficult as some activities just can't be done virtually. One of this things I really like is the ability to have up to 3 days off a year fully paid for volunteering - this is something that a lot of staff have made use off during the covid pandemic.

Yes

I really like the ethos and spirit of Vodafone that it embraces. The culture is all based around continually improving and being a little better each time we do something. This will eventually drive us towards becoming a tech communications company and building on our pillars of a digitally connected society. I also like the work-life balance. I feel that generally people work too much and the ability to have a great career and a great personal life outside of work should really go hand in hand. Vodafone allows this.

I believe that you could be informed generally about Vodafone. You could do this by following us on Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn and just absorbing some of the things we have been up to a a whole company. I wouldn't worry if you don't know anything or if you feel like you you need to learn something before applying, such as technical knowledge. I didn't know anything when I started, but I have learnt so much on and off the job in my uni course that this shouldn't be a worry.