Apprentice Designer Review

by Virgin Media O2

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

10/10

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

Designing and planning the build of fibre optic networks. 50/50 desk/field split.

10/10

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

Gaining expertise in construction, project management. Developing existing telecoms knowledge.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

High level of autonomy and responsibility, but the support and backing of more experienced team members when I need it.

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

VM02 is a mature apprenticeship provider, so good organisational and support structures in place.

10/10

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

Study day and extra leave needed to prepare Portfolio submissions/prepare for professional exams given without quibble. Structured roadmap to ensure I am getting exposure to all areas of expertise needed to become competant in my job role.

10/10

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

Flexible learning materials to support different learning styles/neurodiversity. Also able to acommodate (within reason) work demands around portfolio submission dates.

10/10

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

Much more rounded view of the business as a whole. The qualification opens doors to wider areas of the business.

10/10

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.)

There are a lot of extra-curricular activities on offer, but I have personal responsibilities (school aged children) which stop me getting involved.

10/10

9a. Would you recommend Virgin Media O2 to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Great foundation to a career. Interesting work.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Virgin Media O2?

Be yourself. There are lots of different apprenticeships, so read the job description carefully to make sure you are applying for a role you are comfortable with and want to be in, as the role will be your initial destination on completion of the apprenticeship.