Oskar is a Field Installations Apprentice in the M247 Operations Team, he visits M247 customers on a day-to-day basis to help install their M247 services such as wireless leased lines and fibre leased lines.
Tell us a bit about you and your role as an apprentice
During my second year at college, I was given an opportunity to experience the working world first-hand at an engineering company. This gave me insight into the practical side of engineering, although it wasn’t challenging and stimulating as it was mostly based in one environment. This led me to find something more diverse through the guidance of Alliance Learning, allowing me to find a field engineering apprenticeship program at M247. Though it was a long-distance based apprenticeship, being over 15 miles away by bus from where I live, I knew that it is was a once in lifetime opportunity.
Within the engineering field team my role has several key different aspects, such as problem solving. This aspect is potentially time sensitive as we need to find a fix as quickly as possible to keep our customer SLA’s.
Why did you choose the apprenticeship route?
It’s a great way for me to work and learn at the same time. Its given me a fantastic opportunity to get into the telecoms industry and gain hands-on experience as I work my way up.
Why was this route best suited to you?
The apprenticeship route has allowed me to gain expertise and skills from doing the activities that are involved in my job role rather than just reading about it in a classroom. It has also given me the opportunity to build my engineering knowledge within the industry, working with the team at M247.
It is an exciting time for me to join the telecoms industry; an industry that is constantly evolving. This gives me the opportunity to develop my skills as the industry changes, learning the most up-to date engineering skills and methods.
What do you think the biggest misconception about apprenticeships is?
I believe that one of the biggest misconceptions about apprenticeships is that they are used for cheap labour, but at M247 that’s far from the truth. They have paid for all my training on and offsite, whilst also motivating me with gradual pay increases.
What’s your favourite thing about being an apprentice?
My favourite part about being an apprentice is the fact that I am constantly learning and expanding my knowledge. It is not limited to engineering as I am able to experience different departments, learn how they work and bring that back to my field. It benefits me on a personal level as it can open future opportunities for promotion and progression with skills that I have gained.
Also, not to mention the toolbox talks and conference-based meetings which include free sausage butties and our famous pizza Fridays!
What top tips do you have for a young person who wants to pursue a career in digital/tech?
I would honestly advise them to always look that bit further and consider something not so close to home as you never know what could be waiting for you around the corner.
My other top tip would be don’t scared to ask for help. Being an apprentice can be quite daunting at first, with a new workload and a professional environment you are not used to. But it is important to remember that you are there to learn, no one expects you to know everything on day one. Managers and colleagues are all there to guide and support you through your apprenticeship to ensure that throughout this process you develop the skills you will need to succeed in your future career.
M247: Team Leader take on apprentices
Jason Harris, Field operations Manager and Oskar’s manager said ‘ Oskar is a really valued member of our team, he is progressing well and produces some excellent work, he recently produced a very competent simulated H&S risk assessment review which is a real testament to his early understanding of the importance of site safety. He has also just been included in an ongoing PPE trial which he is keen to support. It takes him 45 minutes in the morning to walk to his first bus stop, after that he gets his second bus to Trafford where he starts work at 8am, now that’s dedication! There are not many 19 year olds in the world like this, but we have one.’
