incident and Problem Manager Review

I manage a team of 8 people and am part of the Digital team. I am accountable for all IT incidents and problems, ensuring that service is restored as soon as possible and that underlying causes are investigated and mitigated. I am responsible for the recruitment, retention and training of my team.

I have learnt that my studying skills have not diminished as much as I expected since I left school and that I really enjoy it. My reading and comprehension skills have definitely developed, along with my report writing skills. These have increased my confidence in my role and helped me to feel more comfortable with my skills.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme. i have returned to studying late in my career and have found it immensely motivating and energising. It's great that my employer supports me with 20% of my time set aside for working on my apprenticeship as this gives me the time to focus on what I am learning.

My programme is one of self-study with the majority of study materials being online. I have a calendar of work to be completed broken down into weekly chunks. I have academic and practice tutors assigned to me for support, and a tutor group forum and tutorials where I can request any assistance I might need.

I receive lots of support from my employer. As well as 20% of my time set aside for studying, I have an assigned apprenticeship engagement partner and regular reviews. I also have a mentor who can assist me finding the right people to talk to in my organisation as well as finding the answers to any difficult questions.

My tutors have been very supportive. I have regular one to one discussions as well as group tutorials. There is also an active tutor group forum. I am encouraged to ask questions when I need clarification on anything and I have found the support to be at just the right level for me.

I am at the beginning of my qualification journey and have already found the theory I have been studying to be useful. It has helped me to understand some of the decisions that have been made in my organisation and to engage better with my managers and peers. i also have a better understanding of why I make the decisions that I do.

We are given 2 days every year to use for volunteering with local charities and this year I spent time helping out a local animal rescue. There is also an active schools speaker programme with opportunities to represent the company at careers days, or to lead a lesson for younger children on the water cycle.

Yes

It's a great place to work, the work is varied and there are many opportunities. I have been here for 7 years and no two years have been the same. There are opportunities to move between different parts of the business as well which can bring many new experiences.

Don't hesitate! Find a role that suits you and apply. There is a fantastic apprenticeship and graduate programme, and lots of apprentices and graduates remain with Thames Water for many years after their programmes have completed. There is always something interesting going on to get involved in and everyone is friendly and approachable.