Digital Degree Apprentice Review
at Vodafone
Degree Apprenticeship
Information Technology
Newbury, Berkshire
Review Submitted: May 2022
Overall Rating
4.8 /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
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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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:
5/5
Day-to-day: Completing university studies with my training provider the University of Birmingham.
Daily tasks: Programming, Problem Solving, Team/Project work.
Projects: Web App development, campus app design and requirements gathering, full-stack development (paired work), final year project (4 year)
Interactions: Lecturers, Tutors, TAs.
Vodafone Interactions: HR manager/lead for the program, any member of a team I'm working with on placement.
Placements are 10 weeks between year 1 and year 2 of the university. The entirety of 3rd year.
Daily tasks: Programming, Problem Solving, Team/Project work.
Projects: Web App development, campus app design and requirements gathering, full-stack development (paired work), final year project (4 year)
Interactions: Lecturers, Tutors, TAs.
Vodafone Interactions: HR manager/lead for the program, any member of a team I'm working with on placement.
Placements are 10 weeks between year 1 and year 2 of the university. The entirety of 3rd year.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I love my degree apprenticeship program!
Getting paid while studying for my degree is a huge plus and a stress reliever. It's much easier to fit in a better social life and have more time for studying than other students.
The pay and working for a huge telecom is particularly motivating.
Getting paid while studying for my degree is a huge plus and a stress reliever. It's much easier to fit in a better social life and have more time for studying than other students.
The pay and working for a huge telecom is particularly motivating.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Modules covering:
Core Knowledge 1: Technology Solutions
Core Knowledge 2: Technology Investments
Core Knowledge 3: Software Systems
Core Knowledge 4: Teamwork
Core Knowledge 5: Data Management
Core Knowledge 6: Network Vulnerabilities
Core Knowledge 7: Organisational roles, functions and activities
Core Knowledge 8: Strategic Decisions
Core Knowledge 9: Technology Solutions Project
Core Skill 1: Information Systems
Core Skill 2: Systems Development
Core Skill 3: Data
Core Skill 4: Cyber Security
Core Skill 5: Business Organisation
Core Skill 6: IT Project Management
Core Skill 7: Computer and Network Infrastructure
Core Behaviour 1: Written Communication
Core Behaviour 2: Verbal Communication
Core Behaviour 3: Negotiation
Core Behaviour 4: Interpersonal Skills
Core Behaviour 5: Active Listening
Core Behaviour 6: Giving and receiving feedback
Core Behaviour 7: Analytical and Critical Thinking
Core Behaviour 8: Business Need
Core Behaviour 9: Research
Core Behaviour 10: Business Disciplines
Core Behaviour 11: Flexible Attitude
Core Behaviour 12: Perform Under Pressure
Core Behaviour 13: Thorough approach to work
Core Behaviour 14: Problem Solving
Core Knowledge 1: Technology Solutions
Core Knowledge 2: Technology Investments
Core Knowledge 3: Software Systems
Core Knowledge 4: Teamwork
Core Knowledge 5: Data Management
Core Knowledge 6: Network Vulnerabilities
Core Knowledge 7: Organisational roles, functions and activities
Core Knowledge 8: Strategic Decisions
Core Knowledge 9: Technology Solutions Project
Core Skill 1: Information Systems
Core Skill 2: Systems Development
Core Skill 3: Data
Core Skill 4: Cyber Security
Core Skill 5: Business Organisation
Core Skill 6: IT Project Management
Core Skill 7: Computer and Network Infrastructure
Core Behaviour 1: Written Communication
Core Behaviour 2: Verbal Communication
Core Behaviour 3: Negotiation
Core Behaviour 4: Interpersonal Skills
Core Behaviour 5: Active Listening
Core Behaviour 6: Giving and receiving feedback
Core Behaviour 7: Analytical and Critical Thinking
Core Behaviour 8: Business Need
Core Behaviour 9: Research
Core Behaviour 10: Business Disciplines
Core Behaviour 11: Flexible Attitude
Core Behaviour 12: Perform Under Pressure
Core Behaviour 13: Thorough approach to work
Core Behaviour 14: Problem Solving
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The overall structure is as follows:
Year 1: 1st Year Bsc.
Summer Break: 10 weeks summer placement in Vodafone team.
Year 2: 2nd Year Bsc
Year 3: Placement year at Vodafone with Digital team.
Year 4: 3rd Year Bsc.
The overall structure outlined is perfect. I'm really happy at the end of my 2nd year to be getting a break from studying (which can feel 24/7, especially around exam periods) and going into the coorprate 9-5 world with all the professional expierence that will offer me.
Structure of uni modules varies widely from module to module: Some modules are very well organised others could do better.
Year 1: 1st Year Bsc.
Summer Break: 10 weeks summer placement in Vodafone team.
Year 2: 2nd Year Bsc
Year 3: Placement year at Vodafone with Digital team.
Year 4: 3rd Year Bsc.
The overall structure outlined is perfect. I'm really happy at the end of my 2nd year to be getting a break from studying (which can feel 24/7, especially around exam periods) and going into the coorprate 9-5 world with all the professional expierence that will offer me.
Structure of uni modules varies widely from module to module: Some modules are very well organised others could do better.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My placement manager for my first year was on hand to help even in his very busy schedule with 1 to 1s etc. Those in the team were happy to take time to assist me with new concepts and ideas e.g. Adobe Analytics, AWS, Jupyter Notebooks, Teradata, SQL etc
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
My education provider, the University of Birmingham, has many processes in place for providing extensions/waivers etc when circumstances take place. e.g. during my second year, I was a victim of crime and they were very understanding in making sure it didn't unfairly impact me.
I have a tutor appointed and bi-weekly meetings, as well as 3 tripartite meetings with vodafone, present a year.
I have a tutor appointed and bi-weekly meetings, as well as 3 tripartite meetings with vodafone, present a year.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My first year of university was massively helpful in aiding my work on a summer placement.
To give a few specific examples:
My AI module meant that meetings within my data science team covering the best practices for machine learning e.g. random forest trees, linear and logistic regression were not entirely new concepts for me.
Additionally, my full stack module in year 1 covered SQL which was useful for querying vodafones huge data lake.
To give a few specific examples:
My AI module meant that meetings within my data science team covering the best practices for machine learning e.g. random forest trees, linear and logistic regression were not entirely new concepts for me.
Additionally, my full stack module in year 1 covered SQL which was useful for querying vodafones huge data lake.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There is always lots going on in Vodafone. Covid did get in the way of that while on placement in the summer of 2021. I know that the particular team I was though have had office away days and company treats as a result of good performance though. My placement manager for next year says a monthly trip to a London bar/pub after work is appreciated.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Vodafone to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The scheme separating uni and placements is very unique there is only one other major employer that offers something similar for Computer Science Bsc last time I checked.
Vodafone has great employee benefits including retail discounts, a very competitive pension, and the guarantee of a job at the end of my programme (subject to reasonable critera).
Also, the diversity/inclusion within Vodafone is great.
Vodafone has great employee benefits including retail discounts, a very competitive pension, and the guarantee of a job at the end of my programme (subject to reasonable critera).
Also, the diversity/inclusion within Vodafone is great.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Vodafone?
My interview (a long time ago now) had some fun, creative questions mixed in there so be brave and think outside the box. Customer service is an important value so ensure you have some examples where you think you could've had an improved experience. You'll also want the usual competency questions covered. Good Luck!
