Like any new apprentice starting a career, I was excited and a little scared on my first day as a technology apprentice at the Sky office. There was a lot going on, from meeting new colleagues to getting to know the office space and learning about the corporate culture and the environment, which was exciting. Setting out on a new adventure may be exhilarating, particularly in a dynamic setting like Sky.  

Despite everything, though, I felt supported by my new companions, who greeted me warmly as a member of the Sky family. Knowing that I was about to embark on a journey full of growth, difficulties, and endless potential was an exciting mix of trepidation and excitement. 

Many reasons drew me to join Sky, but I will focus on the four most significant factors.  

Sky's reputation for innovation and excellence in the media and entertainment industry is undeniable. The company has always pushed boundaries and set new standards with its groundbreaking technology and exciting features. Being a part of an organisation always striving for greatness was incredibly gratifying.  

Secondly, Sky's dedication to diversity and inclusion was not just a corporate buzzword; it was evident in every interaction I had. Knowing that my unique perspective and background were valued and celebrated made me feel like I belonged from day one. Being part of a workplace where everyone feels empowered to bring their whole selves to the table is refreshing.  

Moreover, seeing Sky's unwavering focus on customer satisfaction struck a chord with me. The company's genuine desire to positively impact people's lives, whether through personalised services or exciting features, was truly inspiring. It reminded me that at the heart of every innovation lies the simple goal of making someone's day a little brighter.  

And finally, the opportunity for personal growth and development at Sky felt like the icing on the cake. The thought of learning from industry leaders, tackling new challenges, and growing alongside a team of passionate individuals filled me with excitement and anticipation for the journey ahead. 

The aspect of the programme I have found most enjoyable thus far is its unique combination of education and practical experience.     

It has been immensely satisfying to be able to pursue credentials through coursework while immersing myself in real-world initiatives. The chance to collaborate with a diverse team, where each member contributes their knowledge and viewpoint, is one feature that caught my attention.   

Furthermore, the program's rotating element, which involves switching departments every three months, has been fascinating. These rotations expose apprentices to different departments within the organisation and aid in their decision-making regarding future jobs upon moving into permanent employment.  

Another highlight is the abundance of learning tools available to Sky employees, such as Sky Learn, which provides unrestricted access to priceless instructional resources.   

As an apprentice, I also value being a member of the Early Careers community, where apprentices and graduates collaborate to organise social activities every two months. These events offer a chance to relax and form acquaintances across departments in addition to networking opportunities.   

My time as an apprentice at Sky has been incredibly enjoyable and rewarding, thanks to the combination of practical experience, a wide range of learning opportunities, and a welcoming environment.  

Moreover, seeing Sky's unwavering focus on customer satisfaction struck a chord with me. The company's genuine desire to positively impact people's lives, whether through personalised services or exciting features, was truly inspiring. It reminded me that at the heart of every innovation lies the simple goal of making someone's day a little brighter.  

And finally, the opportunity for personal growth and development at Sky felt like the icing on the cake. The thought of learning from industry leaders, tackling new challenges, and growing alongside a team of passionate individuals filled me with excitement and anticipation for the journey ahead. 

My team is incredibly talented, and their assistance has been priceless during my time at Sky. For the first two weeks after I started, I got the chance to shadow a senior colleague. This opportunity helped me build solid ties among my team and gave me access to their depth of knowledge. I discovered that my teammates are as passionate about Formula 1, a sport that has always piqued my interest!  

From day one, I found it easy to have a good relationship with everyone, and their willingness to lend a helping hand, whether in person or during team calls, was remarkable. They always encouraged me to ask questions whenever I needed clarification, fostering an environment where learning and growth were prioritised. 

My team manager was an essential factor in my team integration. She was a constant source of encouragement, making me feel appreciated and accepted from the beginning. In addition to her managerial responsibilities, she is an exceptionally captivating conversationalist, which fostered a positive environment within the team.  

Another feature that caught my attention was the crew's inclusiveness. Within a month of joining, I was encouraged to actively participate in projects and contribute ideas despite my lack of experience. To my surprise, I discovered that the team actively promotes a forward-thinking and collaborative culture by genuinely appreciating the opinions of all members, regardless of experience level. 

I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such a supportive and inclusive team. Their guidance, encouragement, and willingness to embrace innovative ideas have been instrumental in my growth and development within the company. 

My favourite experiences at Sky have been working on projects and forming relationships with people from other teams. Working with people from departments across Sky has allowed me to network and helped me understand how we all contribute to Sky's success.

One particularly memorable moment was when my team took my project ideas on board despite barely being on the team for two months.

For me, this confirmed Sky's innovative culture, which values all opinions regardless of seniority.

Another pleasure was the holiday season at Sky, especially the Christmas party. The Sky building was decked out in bright decorations, creating a cosy and welcoming environment that made going to work a pleasure.  

Our team's Christmas meal, which included a delectable lunch from Sky, was an excellent way for us to get to know one another and unwind. It was clear that we were all celebrating and decompressing after a hectic time together. 

 These moments added joy and excitement to my time at Sky and reinforced my sense of belonging within the team. They remind me of Sky's supportive community, where you are encouraged to be yourself and contribute your unique talents. 

My friends and family were so excited and supportive when I told them I was starting an apprenticeship at Sky that I was blown away.  

They understood how great of an opportunity it was for me to launch my career in a company well-known for its creativity and quality. 

My friends and family helped me prepare for this new chapter by giving me their unwavering support. Their enthusiasm and faith in my ability gave me more confidence, fuelling my excitement for what lay ahead. 

My family's positivity and encouragement affirmed my decision to take this opportunity at Sky. I'm incredibly grateful to have such a supportive network of family and friends who are always there to cheer me on. 

Now, I see myself staying with my team at Sky after my apprenticeship is complete. Driven by a love for learning and growth, I am excited to keep developing my knowledge and skills. I aim to continuously build on the solid foundation established throughout this apprenticeship. 

I'm also interested in finding out what other opportunities are available at Sky so that I may consider exploring new roles that match my abilities and interests. The team's attitude means there are no boundaries, just endless possibilities for discovery. 

I flourish in a setting that encourages ongoing development. So, with commitment and cooperation, I will succeed and continue contributing significantly to my team.