What made you decide to an apprenticeship?
Jeff from the Hargreaves EYTP program visited our school numerous times to introduce what engineering is and host engineering style competitions to get us really engaged in what designers and fabricators have to think about and why. The little challenges were also really enjoyable! Along with taking part in these challenges Jeff was able to give us more information about apprenticeships at M+W Hargreaves (as we were at the time!), but also provide us with info about apprenticeships in general. So if engineering wasn’t for me, but I liked the sound of an apprenticeship under a different career path I would know where to go and who to speak to.
What are you doing your apprenticeship and what have you found most valuable so far?
As part of my training scheme, I am attending Trafford College on a weekly basis to learn the basics of being an IT Infrastructure technician. Attending college has been the most valuable thing so far, I get to reinforce what I am learning in the workplace with details on how and why things work. Another thing has been working with people who have already have vast IT experience, especially with some legacy systems we have on site. Some stuff like our historical kit can’t be taught in a classroom!
What are your career aspirations and how will the apprenticeship scheme help you to achieve them?
I eventually want to be in charge of the major IT projects and manage them to ensure that they are of high quality when delivered, also meeting the clients requirements. I would also like to be more involved in the higher level management of the department. At college I am earning my Microsoft Technology Associate certificates which give me a great view of how all of the Microsoft products fit together and work interconnectedly. I am also given the opportunity to manage the procurement of the IT goods and services which gives me a helpful understanding of how our finance department functions.
What is involved in your current day-to-day responsibilities?
In the mornings, I mainly monitor the ticket desk for any users who are requesting help with their equipment or who need something ordering. I also keep an eye on my emails and teams for any tasks given to me by my co-workers. I oversee procurement for the DI&S department, contacting suppliers for quotes and getting these orders placed on to our ERP system. I’m always on the look out to see if we can get any licenses or equipment somewhere else for a better deal. In the afternoons I tend to work on projects, no two days are the same. I’m currently working on rolling out a new phone system to replace our existing depreciated setup, The new system will use a software based telephone on your laptop or computer and will make life better for reception when transferring external calls to other staff members.
What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy working on the project side of things the most, the best thing is when you make someone’s job easier, even if its only by a little bit. The best example of this is when I was asked to create a web application to collect SHEQ stats from the site staff. Previously this would have taken the person around 20 hours each month of chasing people via emails and entering data, now it only takes them around 30 mins each month to send an email and select the report that needs to be generated. This gives them more time to work on more pressing SHEQ issues.
What do you think will be the next big step in advancing technology in the industry?
The cloud without a doubt. Our communications room in Bury holds quite a lot of equipment, a whole rack of stuff. With the introduction of cloud computing, we can easily reduce that amount of equipment in there to be a quarter of what it currently is, leaving us with just the cables around the building and a connection to the internet.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of starting a career in IT?
Keep up to date with the latest emerging technologies. There is always some interesting and exciting tech appearing into the world right now, and you never know if it could be something you might enjoy working with. Another tip would be to always keep learning, IT is always moving and it won’t stand still for anyone, keep an eye out for any free training courses you can take.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Keep away from computers as much as possible! The most advanced piece of kit I have at home is a printer, which is quickly switched off if it makes I noise I don’t recognise (who actually likes printers, if you do I’m sure we can find you a job). I also enjoy getting outdoors walking wherever I can. I’ve tried to plant some tomatoes and sweet peas in the garden this year, put it this way it could be going better...
