Network Engineer Review
at Vodafone
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Information Technology
Birmingham
Review Submitted: May 2022
Overall Rating
4.3 /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!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
3.8/5
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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:
5/5
Daily, we look at and manage the day-to-day operations of internal networks, along with the maintenance and uphold of business network solutions, which involves hardware maintenance, software management and working with customers in order to reach a solution and create a product/service which we can deliver to the customer.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy my programme. My team are excellent and are always willing to help and support me wherever/ whenever necessary. I have formed new friends within my apprentice cohort, and met many new people which I would otherwise never have done. Its not what you know, its who you know.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt how to install server racks, routers, switches and various other enterprise server equipment. I have also learnt how to use software to configure these pieces of equipment, which has enabled me to work more closely with the team on projects and deliveries, helping me learn more about the field as a whole.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The structure of the apprentice program is excellent, ever since we joined the programme there has been continuous support from our apprentice leads and the youth committee. The college provider is less so, we have had frequent occasions where messages for help have been ignored, or Q&A sessions missed.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My team are always on hand ready to support me, whenever I need it. There are plenty of resources and people to speak to within the employer, which too are there if you ever need support with something, whether it be job related or degree related, the support is fantastic
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
Whilst we receive regular sessions with the training provider, the support has been poor. We have had numerous occasions where we have asked our tutors for help, but have had our messages ignored, along with select lectures not showing up to support sessions. This has been recently rectified, but we had to involve our senior leads to get this done
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The sessions with the training provider have offered me a base-level knowledge of many different fields, which I have then been able to apply within my day-to-day role. By having this base-level, I have been able to learn more about these fields when I have had to deal with them in 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.)
4/5
As a team, we have been out for numerous meals which have helped me integrate more closely within the team. I have also been to various professional networking events, which has opened up many opportunities for myself, and have met many people within the company. We are hoping to experience more of these, as the world gets back to normal.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Vodafone to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The support is fantastic.
The programme offers you a unique opportunity to have 3 years experience in the workplace, along with gaining a degree from this. By the time you graduate, you will have years more experience and skills than everyone else who are just starting in the world of work
The programme offers you a unique opportunity to have 3 years experience in the workplace, along with gaining a degree from this. By the time you graduate, you will have years more experience and skills than everyone else who are just starting in the world of work
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Vodafone?
Don't be afraid to ask for support. Your line manager and team are there to help and support you throughout your time with the company.
Don't be afraid to speak up, if something is bothering you or you have a complaint (not matter what its about), voice it.
Don't be afraid to speak up, if something is bothering you or you have a complaint (not matter what its about), voice it.
