Planning Apprentice Review
at Virgin Media O2
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Information Technology
Gateshead
Review Submitted: March 2022
Overall Rating
3 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
3/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
2.4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
Receiving and reviewing job tickets, prioritising them and fulfilling what is required for each job ticket. Although the category of job can fall under the same 'genre', no two jobs are the same and the time spent to complete them can vary from a couple of hours, to a few months. This can be anything from naming a fibre cabinet, to planning a complete design for a new opportunity.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
2/5
Although the apprenticeship is interesting and I've learned a lot of new information, it is quite hard to fit it into my role. My apprenticeship is Project Management whereas my role doesn't actually fall under any direct project management and I have to exaggerate some of the things I'm doing in order to match the work that is required from me for my qualification.
There has also been a lot of miscommunication and mismanagement from the company running the programme which has hindered my enjoyment a fair bit.
There has also been a lot of miscommunication and mismanagement from the company running the programme which has hindered my enjoyment a fair bit.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I've learned a lot of new skills relating to software I haven't previously used. I have also learned a lot of new jargon and information about things I had no idea about. Off the back of this, I've developed previously existing skills on software I have previously used and also just general things such as organisation and time management.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
1/5
From an outsiders perspective, there doesn't seem to be a consistent structure or business plan to the programme. I've received different information for the same questions from various different staff members within the same organisation. On top of that, I have had my development hindered and somewhat punished due to not following a rule that has been set by one specific person, but is the opposite rule to someone else. It's quite subjective and no one seems to be on the same page. It's quite confusing and disheartening and it has diminished a lot of enthusiasm I had for the programme.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a lot of support from my employer, especially my manager. Any concerns, questions or feedback has been met with respect and acknowledgement. When concerns have been raised recently about the programme, a lot has been done from my employer to make sure we have all been heard and any issues are tried to be rectified.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
We receive a good amount of support and feedback is usually welcomed, however the support is inconsistent and sometimes questions aren't answered in a straightforward manner and have to be asked multiple times before receiving the correct answer, however this may be due to the way it is being asked and not on the provider itself. The time taken to support us is good - however there is a noticeable lack of consistency in the help and support we receive from themselves.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
1/5
Honestly, not a lot. The qualification doesn't really match the job role and I'm doing it more as a means to an end in order to do the role itself. Although it is a very good qualification to have, I struggle to think of any ways it has or will help me carry out my role.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
There are activities, however due to Covid19 it has understandably halted and is only slowly opening back up to everyone. My employer are eager to hold events for my cohort involved in the apprenticeship as we are all over the UK and it would be beneficial for us to meet and network with each other about the programme.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Virgin Media O2 to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The support you receive from Virgin Media O2 is unparalleled and all feedback is met with an open mind. The benefits are also a plus, however I think a happy and supportive working environment is a lot more important than little incentives you can receive throughout the year and for that reason I think it is a great place to work and would recommend to anyone after the same type of working environment.
It is also a great place the move up the career ladder or delve into different departments if that was something you looked at, too.
It is also a great place the move up the career ladder or delve into different departments if that was something you looked at, too.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Virgin Media O2?
I would tell them to just be themselves as that is something important to the company and something they value in their employees. It's a lovely environment with lots of support so to be able to relax and enjoy the recruitment process (as much as possible!) and not be afraid to reach out and ask for any further help or information on the role they're applying for.
