We spoke to
Lauren, a previous Field Technician Apprentice here at Virgin Media O2, who
started in 2011. She told us a little bit about what it’s like being a female
Field Tech, what made her want to apply for the scheme and her day-to-day
responsibilities. Here’s what she had to say...
What does a
typical day in your life look like within the Field Tech Apprenticeship role?
I started as a Field Tech apprentice back in 2011 so
it’s been a while since I was in that role, but a typical day would usually
start out with receiving your jobs for the day and arriving at your first job
for 8am. You are usually assigned a mix of faults and installs, though this can
vary. You could have anything ranging from a simple broadband fault to a full brand-new
installation of several set top boxes, broadband, phone etc.
The job can vary day-to-day. Generally, the majority
of my jobs were faults rather than installations which I preferred as I enjoy
the problem-solving element to that. You’d work through your list of jobs for
the day in order as the routing is all done for you, if you needed help then in
my experience it was always there. Sometimes jobs do take longer but the team I
worked within was always willing to help out if you asked for it. Similarly, if
you were ahead of schedule, it’s nice to be able to help out your colleagues.
In my current role, I’m an Integration Engineer within
Near Core Activations, so my job is a little different now. My days can vary
from large project work for big corporations to faults cover for my region,
working from home or completing training to ensure I keep up to date with my
Cisco certifications.
Why did you choose VMO2? What
attracted you to join our scheme over another role?
Honestly, I took a bit of a chance on the role. I’d
finished University and I was working in retail at the time while I figured out
what my next steps were. I’d got Virgin Media at home and quite liked them as a
brand. I’d never thought of doing an apprenticeship, but I saw the role
advertised and it sounded like something I’d be good at as I enjoy working with
tools and I enjoy working with people. Also, the salary and benefits package is
great, which was another element that convinced me to apply.
I completed my Field Tech Apprenticeship and then went
onto one of the higher apprenticeships in Data Services as I’d had a great
experience with the first one and wanted to continue progressing in my career,
which both apprenticeships enabled me to do.
Throughout both apprenticeships, I’ve been able to
obtain a number of QCF qualifications, a HNC and a number of industry-standard
qualifications which were a big selling point for me as I like being given the
opportunity to learn and progress.
What is it like being a female Field
Tech Apprentice? Do you have any top tips for females thinking about applying
for this role?
I’d
say to make sure you learn as much as you can from your mentor, go into the
role with a positive attitude and ensure you raise your profile within the
business by volunteering for things and going along to any events you’re
invited to.
Also,
bear in mind that while being a tech may not ultimately be your end goal,
there’s plenty of room to advance to different roles within the business if
you’re willing to learn and put the effort in.
Don’t
worry about having the knowledge of the technical side of things as whatever
your level in that aspect, they’ll teach you everything you need to know.
What do you like about your job? Where would you like to progress in the
future?
I’m
not a field tech anymore, I progressed into an area of the business which
delivers bespoke networking solutions to businesses of all sizes. I enjoy the
variety of work I get to be involved in as no two days are the same.
I
also enjoy the opportunity to learn, and I get plenty of that in my role, I
work mainly with Cisco networking equipment and there’s always courses and
training which I can request which the company is happy to give us the time to
complete.
Ultimately,
I’m happy within the department I’m in now. I’m continually obtaining new
qualifications and learning new skills and I hope to work my way up to a more
senior role within the department.
Are there any myths you want to bust about your scheme/role?
While
there are more men than women in these roles, that doesn’t mean it’s a ‘boys
club’. I can understand how some women might get the idea that male-dominated
industries aren’t for them but Virgin Media O2 do a lot of work to ensure that
the culture here is inclusive. I’ve never experienced any discrimination or
even any unwanted ‘banter’ due to my gender or anything like that. I’ve found
in both departments I’ve worked; I’m just treated as one of the team like
anyone else.
Also,
on another note, I was one of the oldest apprentices. My perception of
apprenticeships previously was that generally they were only for 17-18 year
olds, but that’s definitely not the case. They’re a great option for anyone
wanting to retrain in a new career or even if you’re just starting out with
your first role.
Any other comments/thoughts?
Another
great aspect of working here is how supportive Virgin Media O2 have been from
my experience as a working mum. When I started I was only in my early 20s and
didn’t have children but as I’ve got older and had kids, I’ve been able to
utilise the flexible working options. After discussing it with my manager, we
managed to come up with a work pattern that meant I was able to continue in my
role, while also being able to raise kids. This has honestly been great as I
didn’t want to give up a role I spent so many years working hard for so that the
option to adjust the amount of hours, shift pattern etc. to fit in around being
a parent is really good.
