Network Engineer Apprentice Review
at Virgin Media O2
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Engineering
Edinburgh
Review Submitted: May 2025
Overall Rating
3.9 /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
3.8/5
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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:
4/5
Working alongside a team of engineers to provide and maintain a great service of telecommunications to the UK public. Diagnosing issues and finding the best solutions in the most efficient way to keep the network online at all times.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I have found the course work hard as it does not coincide with the work I do on a daily basis, however this being said, the future of telecommunications and remote working is coming more important and therefore I feel the course work will be vital for my future career as a network engineer.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have been given continuous learning opportunities as an apprentice, ranging from basic tool/ equipment skills to fibre school qualifications. The role consists of many different area's of skills, that can be developed in many ways, E-learning, organised training sessions and more...
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The day to day work has been really good, I have been given lots of support from my manager, mentor and team around me, it's a great place to work. The course work however is very intense as it's condensed into 3 days a month and can be a lot to understand and manage, especially as the job becomes more intense.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
VMO2 continue to offer support and there are outlets in different area's which I have found to be very positive and ease the stress of the learning. I feel there is still lots to learn from both my employer and ESTIO in terms of supporting new apprentices, but it's definitely moving in the right direction.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
ESTIO has been difficult as the learning style has been a hard transition in terms of how it is provided to us, there is a lot of information which can be hard to relate to my role as a network engineer in the field. However there are support outlets and the have been very open about reaching out for support if required.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I am still not 100% sure about the training as I don't feel it's related as much to my role, but i do feel it's giving me more understanding of other area's of network engineering that will without a doubt improve my overall skills and knowledge as a network engineer.
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
VMO2 are very good at providing consist opportunities to grow and become part of the team and wider community. It's always looking at building better connections and listening to the staff on the ground to improve their service for both employees and customers. I have had many days away training, social meet ups, work festivals and many more small team outings.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Virgin Media O2 to a friend?
Yes
Why?
This is the first job I feel valued and supported to reach my potential, there are lots opportunities to become a skilled engineer. I am surrounded by a lot of very skilled engineered, who continue to offer support and have made me feel very welcomed. I always feel happy to get up and go to work, which to me is really important for any role in life.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Virgin Media O2?
Join in and be as open to new learning, it's a lot to learn but there is so many opportunities to develop and VMO2 are committed to supporting you to achieve your own potential.
