Why an apprenticeship at Vodafone was the best choice I’ve made

I joined the Vodafone apprenticeship programme straight after finishing my A levels. I had originally planned to study business at university, but when I discovered the option of earning my degree alongside real workplace experience, an apprenticeship was the obvious choice. I chose project management because it offered a wide range of skills and experience.

I have met so many people at Vodafone who have helped me to overcome a challenge, develop a new skill, teach me about a career path, or just be there to listen when times are tough. The culture is my favourite part of the company. Everyone I come across from apprentices, to graduates, to people who have been in the business for 30+ years, loves to share their knowledge and experiences to help others. There is also great diversity at Vodafone and I have learnt so much from talking to people from lots of different backgrounds who can offer unique perspectives.

I also recently became the co-chair of the Vodafone group youth committee. That’s been a great experience for me, and is helping me to gain a lot of new skills in things like public speaking and event planning.

The Role

After 18 months here, I’ve developed the skills and reputation to take on prime responsibility (though my team is always there to help if I need it) for multiple projects. In my current role as a Project Manager, I help deliver a range of products and services to European business customers to suit their diverse needs. I manage documentation, scheduling, and stakeholder communication, and any problem-solving that’s required.

I’ve worked on a lot of interesting projects so far, but one that stands out is a particularly challenging but successful one installing a range of connectivity solutions for a European business customer. There were multiple suppliers, locations and stakeholders involved. Challenges included lining up the schedules of Vodafone, customer and supplier engineers, and adapting combinations of products used as some weren't compatible for different site set ups. I learnt a wide range of skills on this project including how to record and mitigate risks, how to communicate with frustrated stakeholders to reach agreeable outcomes, and how to schedule work to a strict deadline. The project was completed within the timeframe the customer asked for, and was able to provide a strong connectivity service, so customer satisfaction was achieved. It was a great achievement because it contributed to Vodafone’s key focus on growth - the customer ultimately requested further projects be carried out by Vodafone.

The extras

My advice to other apprentices at Vodafone is to get stuck in! I am not the most naturally extroverted person, but have really pushed myself to talk to new people, sign up for events and ask for help if I don't understand something.

Initially faking some confidence led to me gaining great opportunities and experiences. I offered to cover a more senior Project Manager while they had extended leave, which led to me being offered prime responsibility for the next project given to my team. It was scary at first but now I am so much more confident in my skills and personal attributes so it was worth the leap! I also signed up for the Vodafone Youth Committee, and now I’m apprentice co-chair. I work with a graduate co-chair representative to ensure the specific needs of each type of early careers pathway can be met.

The committee are all really passionate about supporting one another and early careers as a whole. We organise all sorts of youth events and initiatives, including after-work socials to have fun and get to know others on the programme, skills workshops, and talks from senior management at Vodafone to understand the wider context and strategy of the business.

As an apprentice, you also have the extra benefit of taking part in plenty of early careers-focused activities to help you network and further develop skills for your future: networking with other apprentices, career workshops, and skills development sessions. In addition, I get one day a week designated to my university study where I attend lectures to learn project management theory and work on assignments that apply this knowledge.

When I finish my apprenticeship I want to keep exploring and learning new things. Project management has helped me to develop lots of transferable skills that will set me up to be suitable for multiple different career paths. I would like to pursue a senior role in the future that includes people management but am open to doing this in different areas of the business I don't have experience in yet. I have been able to watch past apprentices off board into a variety of different roles and speak to them about how they achieved this through alumni panels, so I know being an apprentice sets you up for a great career if you work hard at it!