Tom joined Futures in 2014 as an apprentice in the ICT team after a couple of years in college. His role involved being being the front-line for ICT support for staff so that they could carry out their jobs successfully. A year and a half into his two year apprenticeship, Tom applied for a permanent position which saw him being involved in various projects and has since gone on to become a manager within the team.
"My current role is ICT Service Desk Manager, which involves me being responsible and having the overall management for four ICT technicians as well as looking after the overall ticket management system and ensuring all members of the ICT team complete the tickets in the system in the agreed timescales. I also get regularly involved in managing projects and recently was involved in the decommission of Futures main office and the setup of the new office. Another aspect of my role is I also complete regular meetings with Futures management staff for feedback and for any improvements that the ICT team can look to make.
When I first started at Futures, I had just come from a couple of years at Derby College and didn’t have any real experience of a work environment. I’d say I had an amount of knowledge technically to assist in the role, but I’d never really put it in to practice. I also would say I was a very shy and quiet young pup but with the help of my apprenticeship and the support of all staff at Futures, I have become more confident in myself and the role. I’d never have imagined when I first started at Futures that I’d be where I am now and be able to complete presentations in front of others in the business."
Would you recommend an apprenticeship to someone else? If so, what would you tell them?
"Absolutely! For a lot of people their natural progression from college is to go to university but that just wasn’t for me, I wanted to get out there, started earning some money and put some of my knowledge from college in to place, as well as gaining that experience in the workplace. The most important point I’d make is if you go for an apprenticeship, make the most of it and enjoy the experience you’ll get as well as some of the people you meet and never be afraid to speak up and ask for help."
