Thomas’s Apprenticeship Journey at Accent Networks

Thomas’s Apprenticeship Journey at Accent Networks

Meet Thomas, a Level 3 Technical Support Helpdesk Apprentice at Accent Networks. His apprenticeship journey highlights the value of choosing the apprenticeship route as an alternative to traditional education, showing how it can lead to career growth and real-world experience.

Why Apprenticeships Are a Great Career Path

Apprenticeships offer a unique blend of practical work experience and academic learning, giving individuals the opportunity to earn a salary while gaining qualifications. This combination makes apprenticeships an attractive option for those who prefer hands-on learning rather than traditional classroom education. Apprenticeships also allow individuals to develop skills and knowledge directly relevant to their chosen career, offering a clear pathway to progression and job security.

Thomas’s story is a great example of how apprenticeships can provide not just technical expertise but also real-world experience and life skills that can be beneficial in any career.

Why Thomas Chose the Apprenticeship Route

Thomas began his career journey at university but quickly realised that it wasn't the right path for him. After dropping out, he wanted to dive into the workforce and start earning money. With a qualification in Games Design, VFX, and Video Editing, he found that it didn’t align with many of the computing roles he was interested in. It was then that he discovered apprenticeships. He saw it as the perfect opportunity to earn money while gaining a Level 3 qualification and work experience in his desired field.

“I initially did attend university, but I dropped out before my course was finished. At this point, I wanted to progress into the workforce and start earning some money,” Thomas shares. “I looked into apprenticeships and realised I could still earn money while gaining a Level 3 qualification and working in the sector I was interested in.”

Thomas’s Role at Accent Networks

At Accent Networks, Thomas works as a First-Line Support Engineer, resolving customer queries via email and phone. His role covers a wide range of tasks, including working with telephony equipment, remote management of networks, CCTV installation and maintenance, and access control. In addition to his day-to-day job, Thomas dedicates time each week to completing his apprenticeship work, which includes attending virtual classrooms and taking e-learning courses provided by Apprentify, the ITP's training partner.

This blend of practical work and learning is a hallmark of apprenticeships and sets them apart from other educational routes. Apprenticeships give you the chance to apply what you’ve learned in real-time, helping to solidify your skills and build confidence.

Gaining More Than Just Technical Skills

Thomas’s apprenticeship has exceeded his expectations in more ways than one. When he first started, he thought he would have a more limited role. However, over time, he’s taken on more responsibilities and become an integral part of the team. Beyond technical skills, Thomas has gained important life skills from his colleagues, learning how to communicate effectively and work in a team environment. These skills are just as valuable as the technical training he’s receiving.

“The amount of functional skills for the workplace I’ve learned is well above my expectations,” Thomas says. “The amount of skills outside of the workplace, like teamwork and communication, I’ve learned from my colleagues is something I never anticipated.”

Apprenticeships are not just about learning the technical side of a job - they also focus on developing the broader skills that employers value, such as teamwork, problem-solving, and communication.

Advice for Future Apprentices

For anyone considering an apprenticeship, Thomas wholeheartedly recommends it. He believes that apprenticeships provide an excellent opportunity to earn while learning, build the skills you need for your career, and gain valuable experience that will set you up for long-term success.

“I would tell them that they should absolutely apply for the apprenticeship!” he says. “It’s a great way to earn money, gain qualifications, and build the skills you need for your career.”

Looking Ahead: The Future After Apprenticeship

Once Thomas completes his apprenticeship, he hopes to continue working with Accent and solidify his skills in the workplace. He’s also exploring the possibility of pursuing a Level 4 apprenticeship to further develop his knowledge. Regardless of the route he takes, Thomas is focused on building a long-term career with Accent Networks.

This is another important aspect of apprenticeships: they offer long-term career potential. With many apprenticeships providing clear progression routes, individuals can continue their education through higher-level apprenticeships, further training, or even a full-time role with the employer they trained with.

Support from ITP and Apprentify

Throughout his apprenticeship, Thomas has received excellent support from ITP and Apprentify. The guidance he’s received from his Development Coach and the support from the ITP has helped him progress in his apprenticeship and led to a positive learning experience. He adds “The ITP also provides daily newsletters with really interesting industry-related information that I always appreciate.”

Apprenticeship and training providers, like ITP and Apprentify, play a crucial role in ensuring that apprentices receive the support they need throughout their journey. From helping with applications to offering guidance on coursework and career progression, the right apprenticeship provider can make a big difference in the success of an apprenticeship.

The Impact of Apprenticeships: A Path to Growth

Thomas’s story is a great example of how apprenticeships can offer career growth, hands-on experience, and personal development. They provide a unique and rewarding route to success, especially in industries like telecoms and tech. With the support of organisations like Accent Networks and ITP, apprentices like Thomas are setting themselves up for fulfilling, long-term careers.

Apprenticeships are an increasingly popular and valuable option for anyone looking to start a new career or develop new skills. Whether you're switching industries or just starting out, apprenticeships can offer a pathway to success that includes practical work, qualifications, and career progression.

If you’re considering a career change or just starting out, take inspiration from Thomas - an apprenticeship could be the perfect way to kick-start your career.

Reach out to our apprenticeship team at apprenticeships@theitp.org if you're interested in hiring an apprentice or if you're looking for an apprenticeship opportunity yourself!