Digital Technology Solutions Apprentice Review
at NG Bailey
Degree Apprenticeship
Computer Systems Engineering, Information Technology
Leeds
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.6 /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
4.2/5
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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
No two days are the same in my apprenticeship role at NG Bailey IT Services. Some days I am working in the office and our pre stage labs, configuring network intermediary and end devices, and other days I am carrying out work onsite for projects I am involved in, for example, Royal Mail, Sainsbury's and Nationwide Building Society. One day a week, I have time to work on university assignments and attend online lectures, and at the start of each semester I attend a launch week on my university campus.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I have enjoyed my apprenticeship programme because I have been involved in a variety of different projects. I really enjoy working on different sites across the country, with a range of customers, to get an insight into how different businesses use their technology. I am involved with activities outside of work, such as being an apprentice ambassador, a course rep, and apprenticeship volunteering opportunities at NG Bailey.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Through working on different projects, I have learnt technical skills, such as Wi-Fi design, network configuration and troubleshooting, telephony configuration, and cyber security skills. I have also developed interpersonal skills such as teamwork, communication and problem solving skills through these projects. Outside of working, I am a course rep, and an apprenticeship ambassador, where I have been able to develop leadership and presentation skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
At the start of each semester at university, I attend a launch week on campus, where the modules are introduced, and I can catch up with my course mates and meet the lecturers. I have been able to gain experience at work on each module, so I can apply the knowledge gained to a practical situation. For example, to assist with the cyber security module, I worked with the ICT team to launch a phishing campaign across the business.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive lots of support from my colleagues in NG Bailey IT Services. All the engineers are willing to support me within my apprenticeship program, and I have been able to ask them for help with my university assignments.
There is also a dedicated apprenticeship team, who support me by conducting annual reviews, assist with target setting and organise apprenticeship development days. During the apprenticeship development days, I am able to meet other apprentices and develop the relevant skills for my apprenticeship, such as communication and team building.
There is also a dedicated apprenticeship team, who support me by conducting annual reviews, assist with target setting and organise apprenticeship development days. During the apprenticeship development days, I am able to meet other apprentices and develop the relevant skills for my apprenticeship, such as communication and team building.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Staffordshire University offers lots of support with my course. There are regular catch ups with the course leader, one to one meetings with my academic mentor, and regular reviews to assess how my academic progress is reflecting on my progress at work. Some lecturers arrange 1 to 1s to review my assignments at regular stages, and suggest ways to improve my work to achieve high marks.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I have been able to apply the knowledge gained at university to projects at work. I am undertaking the network engineer route, and the route specific modules have covered network configuration methods that helped during a project with the HSE where my role was to configure and install new switches across the buildings onsite. During a module on low code software, I learnt how to develop an application to assist my colleagues with generating quotes for customers.
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
Yes, I am an apprentice ambassador with Leeds city council, and through this role I have attended careers fairs, and school engagement events. There are volunteering opportunities for apprentices, such as a sponsored walk, where we raised money for the company charity, whilst being able to network with other apprentices and develop teambuilding skills. During apprenticeship development days, we have the opportunity to catch up with other apprentices across the business. I have also attended social events with my team in IT Services.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend NG Bailey to a friend?
Yes
Why?
There is a range of different departments, such as engineering, IT Services and facilities services, and a range of apprenticeship opportunities at different levels. I receive lots of support from colleagues and the apprenticeship team, and I am involved in various projects with different customers.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to NG Bailey?
To anyone applying to an apprenticeship: don’t undersell yourself! Anything you have done – whether it directly relates to the role or not – don’t forget about! Make sure you discuss it at your interview and in your application. The likelihood is you will be able to apply the skills gained from your experiences to your apprenticeship.
