Lauren Smallridge / 19 Years Old

After finishing my A-Levels at Plymstock School in June 2018 I had the mind-set of wanting to work within IT. I had already gained 2 GCSE’s and an A level in ICT and after seeing an application for ATL I applied for the level 3 Infrastructure Technician qualification as an apprentice in order to start the expansion of my knowledge and gain an insight into the industry. When I was offered the role of an apprentice IT Technician I took the position and started in July 2018.

In the time I have been here, I have gained the responsibility of our anti-virus software and some of our servers and I have expanded on my knowledge in hardware and software as a whole. In my role, I do carry out various tasks such as supporting my fellow IT technicians, monitoring and ensuring all of our devices are safe and secure, installation of hardware and software across the company and technical support for all staff and students. I have also obtained good working relationships with the majority of staff members and I hope to be a role model for females wanting to work within the IT industry.

Aidan Walters / 17 Years Old

After finishing my GCSE’s at Coombe Dean Secondary School on the 16th of June (2017), I commenced my first apprenticeship with Achievement Training. This was my City & Guilds Level two diploma in ICT professional competence (QCF). I began this only three days after leaving school. Two and a half years on, I have completed my level two and am currently working toward my (C&G) Level three Infrastructure technician qualification. I have a keen passion for administration, team leading and facilities management; these are all prospects of which I would eventually like to progress on to. I enjoy working for ATL as I have used my career as an opportunity for self-growth as well as developing positive working relationships with a variety of staff. I find that this will benefit me in the future.

Some of my responsibilities as an apprentice IT technician include providing customer service and technical support, carrying out IT & Facilities inductions for newly employed staff, filing and organising (Department) data, Internal (Department) Audit & Stock distribution, the coordination of the work experience placements during their time at ATL and finally the logging of jobs on the ‘IT & Operations Helpdesk’. Although my job description portrays IT and telecommunications, I am also responsible for the administration of Health & Safety. This ranges from maintaining H&S records to recording all H&S incidents or accidents.

Finally, I am also responsible for the facilities side of site services. Some of these responsibilities include dealing with contractors & engineers, collecting bulk shredding & scrap runs, locking up each building of an evening with the deputy MD, ensuring electrical and non-electrical equipment on site is to a safe / useable standard, documenting different processes, and finally leading facilities-based projects during times of peak workload or during staff absences.

My job role in ATL is a varied and challenging one that exposes me to all aspects of IT, I have found through experience that ATL is a wonderful company to work for if you want to get into IT as you will be provided with the mentoring and freedom to allow you to grow your IT skillset to better prepare you for your future career.

My job role can involve anything from working on our network to taking calls and responding as first and second line support to any IT related issues, on a day to day basis my responsibilities include taking an active role in managing our network antivirus, creating images on our WUSUS server, taking charge of the formatting schedule and active directory user management.