What motivated you to pursue the 1st Line Technical Analyst Apprenticeship?
From a young age, I found myself drawn towards the world of computing. Whether it was exploring different software at school or tinkering with computers at home, I always had a keen interest in technology. As I grew older, I realised that I could turn this passion into a career and decided to pursue an apprenticeship in the IT industry. I believed that this was the perfect way to enter the field, gain valuable experience, and develop the skills I needed to succeed.
What were the most challenging aspects of the apprenticeship?
Upon joining the apprenticeship scheme, I was initially overwhelmed by the workload and the complexity of the issues I would be required to handle. Many of these problems were completely unfamiliar to me and I had no idea how to resolve them. However, thanks to the incredible support and guidance provided by both my team and JustIT, I was able to gradually acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle these challenges with confidence. Through hard work and dedication, I have been able to expand my expertise in this field and continue to learn and grow every day.
How did you balance work responsibilities and learning during the apprenticeship?
Throughout my apprenticeship, I managed to balance my work and learning effectively by coordinating with my manager to prioritise and complete any outstanding tasks promptly. This approach helped me stay up-to-date with my work commitments while also staying on track to pass my apprenticeship. Whenever I encountered any challenges or needed further advice, I never hesitated to reach out to my colleagues for assistance. Their guidance and support were instrumental in my success.
What technical skills did you acquire during the apprenticeship?
Through my journey as an apprentice, I have been fortunate enough to gain vast knowledge and expertise in the field of IT. The experience has been remarkable, and I have learned extensively about troubleshooting in an IT environment. My learning process has been organic, as I was able to absorb the information naturally simply by working, observing my team, and utilising JustIT's resources.
Did you have any memorable experiences while assisting users on the front line?
Although I don't have any particular experiences that stand out in my mind, what I enjoy and find fulfilling in my work is fostering strong connections and relationships with both my clients and colleagues. The process of building these bonds is something I take great pride in, as it allows me to develop a deeper understanding of the people I work with and to collaborate more effectively towards shared goals.
How did the apprenticeship contribute to your professional growth?
Ever since I began my apprenticeship, my mind has been opened to the vast and dynamic world of IT. This experience has developed my passion for IT and now I want to explore and venture into new sectors of IT - expanding my knowledge even further. Through this journey, I have gained confidence and developed my ability to work in an office environment. Although there have been some challenging moments and obstacles along the way, I remained committed and persevered to overcome them. Ultimately, this experience has taught me to be resilient and to stay focused on my goals, no matter what challenges may arise.
What advice would you give to future apprentices considering a similar path?
My advice to anyone looking to get into an IT role whether you come straight from school or another profession, is to just do it. You never know if you don’t like something if you don’t try, and if it isn’t your cup of tea then so be it, at least you tried!