Meet Harry who is a Technical Support Assistant in the School of Psychology. He was recruited in December 2018 as an Apprentice and is undertaking the Level 3 Infrastructure Technician Apprenticeship.
Loretta Izod, Employee Apprenticeship Manager at Kent, asked Harry to talk about the experience of being an Apprentice and how it supports career and self development.
Harry is undertaking the Infrastructure Technician Apprenticeship – click here to read the full Apprenticeship Standard
How did your career pathway bring you to the University of Kent, what is your position here and how long have you worked here?
I started as a volunteer at the University in the February of 2018 and have been an employee since August. In January 2019 I started an Apprenticeship in the School of Psychology Technical Support Department. During my time working here I have gained experience and knowledge relating to the equipment used in the School laboratories. Additionally, I provide technical support for computer hardware and software issues.
How did you find out about this Apprenticeship?
I was informed about the position by my supervisor and via staff opportunities on the HR careers page.
Which Apprenticeship are you undertaking and which training provider is supporting you?
I am undertaking the Infrastructure Technician Apprenticeship, with Ginger Nut Training who is a national training provider, who come to me here at Canterbury for my training.
Why have you decided to use an Apprenticeship to support yourself and your career development?
The applied learning environment of an Apprenticeship provides me with valuable experience and depth of knowledge as I am required to solve technical problems on a daily basis. I also like that I am able to progress and learn with a training package that is tailored to my personal needs.
Can you explain how your Apprenticeship works, eg what sort of training do you do? Who is your mentor?
My mentor Frank Gasking provides regular training sessions where I am learning computer coding. He also sets projects from departmental infrastructure to hardware and troubleshooting problems. Jim Is my trainer from Ginger Nut. He will teach me how to enhance my skills in technical support and coding.
What aspects of an Apprenticeship first caught your attention?
Working alongside a team of professionals and a keen interest in computing.
If you would you like to know more about Apprenticeships and undertake one like Harry, please contact Loretta Izod, your Employee Apprenticeship Manager
Ext 16568 or email – L.J.Izod@kent.ac.uk or Click here to visit the Kent Apprenticeships web page
Follow the Learning & Organisational Development (L&OD)Team for our regular posts all things Apprenticeship and L&OD on our
Twitter @UoKLDev and Instagram Unikentlearndev accounts
