IT Apprentice
“Before joining FCDO Services, I was a Nursery Practitioner. I’d done an apprenticeship in childcare, and my parents had both started their career with one, so I had a good insight into what apprenticeships entailed.
I saw a brief overview of what the FCDO Services programmes covered and that’s when I started to think seriously about applying for an Apprenticeship in IT. I was keen to learn something new and I felt the experience here would put me in a good position for a future career. Plus, the structure of the course and statements from previous apprentices stuck out to me.
"It’s clear that people love what they do and the culture is friendly, welcoming and so supportive"
Since starting, I’ve been able to really appreciate the professional environment and I’ve worked with experts who do extremely important work. But at the same time, it’s clear that people love what they do and the culture is friendly, welcoming and so supportive. I’ve had a wide range of experiences and learnt so much already.
I’ve spent time with three teams so far and have loved each one. My first placement was 8 weeks long and it really helped me learn the basics of how the company and certain teams run, along with how to complete tasks to fulfil my role on the team. My second was great because I was able to work on tasks away from my desk. And there’s been a lot of theory-based learning on my current placement. All three have been varied and I’ve absorbed so much knowledge.
As well as gaining an understanding of how specific devices work in the IT world, I’ve also picked up general knowledge around specific areas; networking, applications and the infrastructure behind them, how to interact with customers and much more.
"I feel valued as a person and a colleague. Everyone I’ve encountered has been nothing but kind, helpful and eager to support."
I’ve honestly enjoyed every part of it, and I truly believe it was the best decision I’ve ever made. The programme has been amazing. It’s structured to best suit each individual and there are objectives to complete on every placement, ensuring you get a well-rounded, comprehensive experience. I truly value the skills and knowledge I’ve gained. The work-life balance and culture at FCDO Services is great. I feel valued as a person and a colleague. Everyone I’ve encountered has been nothing but kind, helpful and eager to support.
I’m very excited for the future. I’m not sure what team I’d like to go into upon completion of my apprenticeship, but that’s what’s exciting. FCDO Services apprenticeships are full of enriching, rewarding experiences and there are so many different paths the programme could lead to after completion. Wherever I end up, I know my role within FCDO Services will be important and meaningful as well as something I enjoy. I’m proud to be part of an organisation that makes a real difference to the world.
