It’s National Careers Week and we’ve caught up with Reece. He joined SYHA as an apprentice and is now a full time IT Systems Engineer…
Tell us about your apprenticeship at SYHA
I was at college once a week alongside four days of office work. My apprenticeship evolved quite dramatically when I started at SYHA as my first day was 3rd January 2020 and Covid-19 hit a couple of months later, so I had to adapt into what position needed covering at that unprecedented time.
What qualification did you study for while completing your apprenticeship?
I have two qualifications from my apprenticeship. A basic level computer certification and a more significant Level 3 Solutions Technician certification. I had to go the long way around with my apprenticeship because I didn’t have any IT qualifications before I started and I’d unsuccessfully attempted three A levels. I’m thankful that SYHA supported me in building a foundation and then adding to this. With the qualifications I can progress further and attend university for an IT qualification.
What are the most valuable skills you’ve developed during your SYHA apprenticeship and now full time work?
The two most valuable are speaking to people and self-management. Throughout education I felt there was a social accountability step missing, I was particularly shy and would avoid conversing if possible. This is something you can’t avoid at work, especially being the new apprentice and being pushed to the front line. Self-management is my second skill because there is no set structure to manage yourself as I’d experienced during full time education. You have to learn about yourself.
How has your apprenticeship benefited you?
I was making a salaried wage while picking up skills and focussing on goals I had moved to the background.
It gave me the ability to travel more and sticking to a routine 9 – 5, Monday to Friday was great.
What’s the best bit about your job?
The best part about the job is everyday looking different, sometimes it can be fatiguing but likely if I was doing the same thing every day I’d be wishing for more variety!
Would you recommend an apprenticeship?
I think an apprenticeship is a good direction. You build solid skills and the access to a solid wage is really rewarding compared to the part time work I was finding myself in. University is always there for later in life.