News 27 June 2019

Starting an Apprenticeship with an IT Company

As a first-year apprentice myself; I'm sharing some top tips and advice to help you along the path of starting an apprenticeship with an IT company.

Max Thompson, Systems Engineer, Fabric

Firstly, What is an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study.

As an apprentice, you’ll:

  1. Work alongside experienced staff

  2. Gain job-specific skills

  3. Earn a wage and get holiday pay

  4. Get time for study related to your role (usually one day a week)

Find out more about apprenticeships here

Apprenticeship diagram


 

Apprenticeships take 1 to 5 years to complete depending on their level

 


Firstly, you need to find a role which not only appeals to you but also inspires you to strive for success in your daily position.

The job I applied for was ‘An apprentice role providing front line IT support for a wide range of small-medium sized businesses. The position will involve both remote working and occasional site visits’

In addition to this, you want to find a company which will offer you an opportunity to attain a verified qualification alongside your working role. The apprenticeship is going to help you develop your skill set and can lead to a higher earning potential. It will also give you the skillset to complete more complex tasks as you progress.

After careful consideration and research, I thought that the qualification which would benefit me the most would be a degree apprenticeship. I am currently completing a Digital and Technology Solutions degree apprenticeship at Manchester Metropolitan University, alongside my full-time position at Fabric. My journey so far has been highly exciting as I can get the full benefits of studying at university while earning a competitive salary and finishing up with no student debts!

Technician

Upon starting an apprentice role, I would recommend having a profoundly positive attitude in everything you do. Ensure that you network and build relationships with your colleagues as you can learn a lot from their valuable experience.

To help me keep a clear frame of mind in day to day working life, I attend yoga classes at my local gym; this helps me to de-stress and focus on how I’m going to get what I want out of each day in work and university. For more information on positive thinking, see Motivational Tips.


 

Finding a perfect work/life balance can sometimes be difficult; here are some advice tips for staying on top.

  1. Put as much time as possible into studying for your qualification and focus on developing your skill set

  2. Use your spare time to complete any additional studying and ask the people around you if you need help

  3. Spend quality time with friends and family, and make time for your hobbies. It is important to have downtime

 


Each day you have 24 hours, you work for 8, you sleep for 8, and you are left with 8. Make sure those extra 8 hours count!

If you are a highly driven person, gaining an apprenticeship can help you thrive and come into your own not only in the workplace but in your personal life.

I hope this blog has benefitted you and I wish you the best of luck in starting life as an IT apprentice.

Max Thompson, Systems Engineer, Fabric

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