Apprentice IT Technician in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences
My nephew Reece inspired me to apply for an apprenticeship role at Queen's. At 17, he secured an apprenticeship technician role with Queen's and raved about every aspect of his new job. I'd been working in my current role with BT for over eight years when he told me that new apprenticeship roles were being advertised. I thought I'd at least give it a go and complete an application, never really considering that I'd be thought of as the right candidate. I had never attended university or had any higher-level qualification to back up my application for the IT apprenticeship that I applied for. I completed two aptitude tests and was invited for an interview in the Computer Science Building. Just over a week later, I was contacted and informed that I had been successful! I honestly did not expect the news, and after a conversation, I decided to give up my current job on a considerably higher salary and join the Technician Apprenticeship Scheme. It has truly been one of the best decisions I have made, and I am very much looking forward to a long career at Queen’s.
A typical day within my role will find me and my three colleagues, Keith, Debbie, and Shane, in the technician's office at the Queen’s Computer Science Building. Our day begins (after a cuppa!) by checking our shared diary for the day/week ahead. In the morning, we will usually be opening rooms and ensuring all equipment required by students and lecturers is working correctly. This could include Radio Mics, OWL webcams, loan laptops etc. Both staff and students within the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science can raise issues with any sort of technical issue via SharePoint to be picked up by us. Queries come in a wide range of topics, from hardware/software issues to resetting passwords, requesting equipment or booking a room. We are also very open to our students and colleagues calling into the technician's office for a face-to-face chat, so everyone can come say hello as they wish.
Not going to university is a decision I have regretted. Just being around Queen’s every day with the buzz of the students, the amazing building I now work in and the wide variety of activities I can be part of as part of my working life is amazing. I can honestly say it's given me a new lease of life. Even though I'm working here, there is still a huge sense of acceptance on campus. My new colleagues always have a smile, and I have a mentor with a wealth of experience at Queen’s whom I can reach out to at any time. To support my learning, there are many classes, both in-person and digitally, that are available to me, as well as the huge resource of material in the grand McClay Library. There is always someone interested in hearing about your time with Queen’s so far and offering help and guidance at any time. If all this wasn't good enough, on Fridays we watch a film in our onsite cinema room!
My apprenticeship experience has been faultless. It's a little too early to have gained an outstanding moment, so I would suggest that my proudest achievement was stepping out of my comfort zone within my previous career and going for it with the Queen’s Apprentice Scheme. I'm now learning towards recognised qualifications in an area I enjoy, and surrounded by people who I feel have a genuine interest in me realising my potential within this vocation.
No matter your age or background, if there is an apprenticeship that genuinely interests you, just go for it. In my scenario, it was a case of 'never too late to learn'. For my nephew, it was his first-ever job! I used to dislike wearing a lanyard and work pass with my old employer, and now I wear my Queen’s staff pass with pride.
