Field service engineer Review
at Virgin Media O2
Level 2 Apprenticeship
Engineering
Rainham, Greater London
Review Submitted: February 2025
Overall Rating
3.7 /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!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.4/5
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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
Logging on and being in the van for 7:30, seeing my jobs for the day (however dont get attached to them) they will change.
Going to a variety of jobs from simple cable runs, to installing TV, broadband and telephone services in multiple different areas through London.
Going to a variety of jobs from simple cable runs, to installing TV, broadband and telephone services in multiple different areas through London.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I really do enjoy the program however getting home at 9pm sometimes can be a struggle, seems as in the program you must keep up with a lot of coursework including study logs, online training, compliance, vehicle related issues can all cause stress and tamper with enjoyment on the job as you're responsible for everything with limited help.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
To be quite frank, I came in with no experience in the matter.
I now believe I'm experienced enough to deal with a wide variety of problems customers may have!
These skills include confidence, public speaking & most importantly the ability and self motivation to work alone on long 12-13 hour shifts.
I now believe I'm experienced enough to deal with a wide variety of problems customers may have!
These skills include confidence, public speaking & most importantly the ability and self motivation to work alone on long 12-13 hour shifts.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
I did Maths alongside my apprenticeship, however I would say it wasn't the best program as I literally believed I relied upon myself to teach the subject which shouldn't be the case.
Due to the nature of the job I had to do the lessons/mocks in my own time but thankfully had the time given back to me.
However due to job extensions etc and lack of help from the routers, typically the time given back to me I'd end up going over so it never really balanced out.
Due to the nature of the job I had to do the lessons/mocks in my own time but thankfully had the time given back to me.
However due to job extensions etc and lack of help from the routers, typically the time given back to me I'd end up going over so it never really balanced out.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Ive received all the support required and experience nonetheless, which is great!
They helped me achieve my maths, and I will be getting my lvl 2 in telecommunications of which hopefully I can progress onto level 3 with their help also!
They helped me achieve my maths, and I will be getting my lvl 2 in telecommunications of which hopefully I can progress onto level 3 with their help also!
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
If I'm being truly honest, their maths scheme needs to change. More frequent lessons and a more adjustable experience as its all online.
However the support with the course in general has been fantastic.
However the support with the course in general has been fantastic.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I don't feel it provides much of a difference from the typical engineer, it sounds more good on paper.
This is because the apprenticeship doesn't really teach you about the things you do in the field it's more so like what is LAN what is WAN.
What is a VPN etc, things that we don't necessarily require for this sortve role but definitely helps knowing it, if that makes sense.
To add onto what I've said, it does help knowing the structures of cables, why they're used .
This is because the apprenticeship doesn't really teach you about the things you do in the field it's more so like what is LAN what is WAN.
What is a VPN etc, things that we don't necessarily require for this sortve role but definitely helps knowing it, if that makes sense.
To add onto what I've said, it does help knowing the structures of cables, why they're used .
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
1/5
There are but they're not encouraged at all, In my time as an apprentice I beleive I've only gone to maybe around 2-3 social events which in my opinion is pretty bad especially in a job role where you're always on your own day to day.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Virgin Media O2 to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I wouldn't recommend the apprenticeship for lvl 2, however I would recommend the company and joining as a new starter.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Virgin Media O2?
It's definitely worth it ultimately because you're paid well for especially as an apprentice, you're fairly local to home always, you get a van all expenses paid not to mention it's a good trade as an engineer as it can branch out to a variety of providers so you're not only limited to the virgin network
