Apprentice Telecoms Field Operative Review
at Virgin Media O2
Level 2 Apprenticeship
Information Technology
Dundee
Review Submitted: March 2022
Overall Rating
4 /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
5/5
-
Skills Development
3.8/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
3/5
Installing Tv, broadband and telephone services to customers houses for the first time and also upgrades to current package. Service calls which involves fault finding. This can be replacing a drop cable from a house to a pit in the ground. Also replacing faulty customer equipment and upgrading equipment to new.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I enjoy it enough to keep pushing on. Once I'm at work I get stuck in and enjoy working with my hands. It has been very tough adapting to a new way of working and keeping go with the amount of communications has been very stressful. Its hard learning a new trade while being snowed under by a mountain of emails.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt new ways of communication. I feel like a build a rapport with most customers I meet and leave a lasting impression. I have learnt how the cable networks operates and why things go wrong. I have learnt more about technology and the way different pieces of equipment works.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
It has a good structure and I am glad there is only 1 study day every few weeks. This is because I enjoy being out in the field more and working from home less. I wish there was more shadowing with mentor as I feel I have missed out of some key information and knowledge.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I get a lot of support from my manager and mentor. They have been there for me when I have wanted to speak about issues outwith working conditions. I can get extra support or training in the field when I need it and feel therevis plenty of time for me to get up to speed.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I get plenty of time on study days to work towards the written part of my qualification. I use my downtime on the job to ask for coaching or speak to my manager. I can speak to my manager if I need extra time or support to achieve my goals.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I feel like it gives me more computer skills and builds up my literacy more. It helps me become a more effective listener and teaches me how to communicate to customers better in the field. It gives me more background knowledge about my job that I can take into the field.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
I have been on one night out at Christmas so far whih was good for me to see a different side to my colleagues. We have also had a few meetings where we can communicate informally and have a laugh. I hope that in the future there can be more team building activities as the role can be very lone based.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Virgin Media O2 to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The apprenticeship has a very modest starting salary and has many opportunities to build up your pay in the future. It is a fast paced 1 year programmed which builds your skills quick and gets you a qualification in a short period of time. There are plenty of benefits of working with virgin such as cheaper Tv and great pension pacakge.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Virgin Media O2?
Be prepared for the amount of information you have to take on and process in a short period of time. You get thrust into field very quickly and have to be a quick learner. Stay on the ball constantly and make sure you aren't lagging behind on any work and knowledge.
