CATEGORY: e-shot-team

Learning on the Job: Insights from an IT Apprentice

Choosing between traditional education and an apprenticeship can be a big decision, especially when starting a career in a fast-evolving field like IT. Apprenticeships offer a unique blend of hands-on experience and structured learning, allowing individuals to develop essential skills while working in a real-world environment.

In this interview, we spoke with Dan, our Application Support Apprentice who shares their journey—why they chose an apprenticeship, the challenges and rewards of balancing work and study, and how their experience is preparing them for future success. Whether you're considering an apprenticeship yourself or just curious about the experience, their insights provide a valuable perspective on what it’s really like to learn on the job.

About the apprenticeship: 

What made you choose an apprenticeship over other career or education paths? 

I had chosen an apprenticeship as this gave me the best opportunity to learn the necessary skills and then apply the learnt skills in a working environment to truly understand the what and why of the task at hand. 

Can you describe a typical day in your apprenticeship? 

A typical day in my apprenticeship generally involves helping customers diagnose problems, raising tickets and looking into block listing's and delisting's. 

 

Challenges and rewards: 

How do you balance working and learning at the same time? 

Balancing the time between learning and working is quite easy as I have blocks of college days where I can knuckle down and focus, and I receive a ton of support from my apprenticeship coach.  

What has been the most rewarding part of your apprenticeship so far? 

The most rewarding part of my apprenticeship is knowing how far I've come on my own.  

 

Career Aspirations: 

How do you think your apprenticeship is setting you up for future success? 

The current apprenticeship I’m doing is setting me up for the success because it has a hand in virtually every subject within IT, from support to networking and even testing.  

 

Advice & Reflections: 

What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship? 

When looking for an apprenticeship, investigate what your interests are and what you would like to get out of your desired job role. Sometimes it’s better to choose another apprenticeship as it might help you get where you want to go in life, and don’t settle for anything but the best.

Final Thoughts: Why Apprenticeships Matter

This interview highlights just how valuable apprenticeships can be for career development. By gaining practical experience while studying, apprentices not only build their technical skills but also develop confidence and independence in the workplace. The ability to work across different areas of IT—while receiving dedicated support—sets a strong foundation for long-term success.

If you’re thinking about an apprenticeship, take the time to research your options and find a program that aligns with your career aspirations. As Jack wisely says: “Don’t settle for anything but the best.” With the right apprenticeship, you can gain the skills, experience, and knowledge needed to thrive in your chosen field.

Find out more about the Forfront Apprenticeship Programme