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The apprenticeship provides a structured pathway for learning, combining on-the-job training with formal education. This approach ensures you get the right mix of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, which is ideal for anyone starting their career in IT.
Please tell us a bit about yourself and your background prior to working for Lift Schools.
advertisement for an IT apprenticeship, I thought, "Why not?" It seemed like the perfect opportunity to start something new and expand my skills in the IT field.
How did you end up working for Lift Schools?
I came across an advertisement for an IT apprenticeship and saw it as a great opportunity to start a new career path. After applying and going through the
selection process, I was fortunate to be offered the role. It felt like the right fit for me, as I was eager to gain hands-on experience in IT while continuing to learn and grow. Joining Lift Schools has been a valuable step in my journey, allowing me to develop my technical skills and contribute to a meaningful environment.
What attracted you to the apprenticeship?
Coming from a background in web design and SEO, I was looking for a fresh challenge and a way to expand my knowledge in IT. The apprenticeship provided the perfect balance of practical work and structured training, allowing me to grow professionally while being supported in my development.
It also offered a great entry point into the industry, giving me the chance to work with experienced professionals and gain exposure to different areas of IT.
What is your role at Lift Schools?
I started working at Lift Schools as an IT Apprentice, but within a few months, I was promoted to a full-time IT Technician. In this role, I am responsible for managing the IT operations at Kingsley Academy, ensuring that all systems run smoothly and efficiently. My responsibilities include troubleshooting hardware and software issues, maintaining networks, setting up and managing user accounts, and providing technical support to staff and students.
How did you find functional skills and has it helped you?
I found Functional Skills in English to be very helpful. It improved my communication skills, allowing me to write emails more professionally, document technical issues clearly, and interact effectively with colleagues and users. Strong written and verbal communication is essential in IT support, and this training has
given me more confidence in explaining technical concepts in a way that is easy for others to understand. Overall, it has been a valuable skill that I use daily in my role.
What units and skills did you learn that were most impactful and why?
The units and skills that were most impactful for me were communication and problem-solving. The communication unit helped me develop clear and effective ways to explain technical issues to non-technical users, which is essential in my role as an IT Technician. Being able to write clear emails, provide instructions, and document issues properly has made my work much more efficient.
What did you do for your project?
For my project, I focused on Network Design for a corporate organisation. I was tasked with leading a new client brief for the design and implementation of a network for their new office space
What support did you receive from your employer?
Throughout my apprenticeship, I received a lot of valuable support from
my employer.I was assigned a mentor who provided ongoing support, answering questions and offering guidance whenever I faced challenges. They helped me understand complex technical concepts and gave me constructive feedback to improve my skills. My employer provided hands-on training and allowed me to work on real-world projects, which helped me develop practical skills and experience. I was given the opportunity to shadow experienced technicians and learn from their expertise.
How did your Trainer support you?
My trainer gave regular feedback on my work, including assessments of tasks I completed and practical projects. This feedback was constructive and helped me understand areas where I could improve, while also reinforcing what I was doing well.
How have you changed as a result of the apprenticeship?
I’m now more confident when interacting with colleagues, providing technical support, and even taking the lead on tasks.
What advice would you give to new apprentices on the IT Solutions apprenticeship?
You’re in a great position to learn and develop, so take full advantage of the resources and training available to you. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek clarification when needed. It’s normal not to know everything at the start, but over time, you’ll build your knowledge and confidence.
Would you recommend the apprenticeship to others?
Yes, I would definitely recommend the IT Solutions apprenticeship to others. The apprenticeship provides a structured pathway for learning, combining on-the-job training with formal education. This approach ensures you get the right mix of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, which is ideal for anyone starting their career in IT.
What are your plans now that you have finished your apprenticeship?
I plan to continue expanding my technical knowledge by pursuing relevant certifications in areas like networking, security, and cloud technologies.
I’d just like to add that the apprenticeship has been an incredibly valuable experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and gain hands-on experience in IT. It’s been a great foundation for my career, and I feel confident that the skills and knowledge I’ve gained will serve me well in the future.
The apprenticeship was the best way to learn. In IT, what you learn from a book and real life are totally different. Doing it in the workplace keeps your skills up to date; IT moves so fast. A traditional IT course is almost immediately out of date, but as the apprenticeship is work-based learning, the skills are always current and relevant.
Since starting the apprenticeship, I'm much more confident in myself and the way I communicate. I'm naturally quite a shy person, and I think the apprenticeship has helped me to overcome that.
Applying my apprenticeship assignments on audit evidence directly contributed to our academy achieving 'Platinum' safeguarding status.
