With many students finding out their AS and A Level Results this week, we’ve spoken to Lewis Potts, 19, a Network Delivery Project Manager who joined our apprenticeship scheme last summer.
One year on from receiving his own A Level Results, Lewis has reflected below on how much he has achieved in his role in just one year. Read more about his career journey with us so far below.
Lewis will complete his two-year apprenticeship scheme in Network Delivery Management next summer (2024) with a Level 4 PMQ.
What does your day-to-day job involve?
I’m out and about all week, which I love. I help manage small teams of builders and contractors who are building our fibre network. We’ve got bold plans to upgrade our entire broadband network to full fibre to the premises by 2028, so I’m working to help make sure we meet our ambitions!
In my role, I report on progress to managers, audit the teams from a health and safety perspective and essentially ensure that they have what they need to succeed.
Alongside that, I have a dedicated day each week to do my coursework, as do all apprentices at Virgin Media O2.
What are the key skills you have learnt in the past year?
Over the past year I’ve earnt whilst I’ve learnt and gained a number of valuable skills, from people management to budgeting.
I also feel more confident and more mature. I can comfortably speak to people who are older and from all different backgrounds as well as deal with conflicting information – these are skills that I didn’t have before the apprenticeship.
Why did you opt for an apprenticeship and not any further studies or university?
I felt like uni wasn’t for me, despite my school pushing it on me as the only route to success. I wanted to explore other options, so took myself off to career fairs and did a lot of research online, too.
I’m not keen on being stuck behind a desk, but I knew I wanted to continue learning. When I found the Network Delivery apprenticeship, I knew it was the perfect match for me.
What are your career ambitions?
I’m really enjoying my time with Virgin Media O2 and I’d love to continue my career here. It’s a great company to work for, and I’m feeling really supported.
I love my job, but in the long term I might consider my options away from network expansion, looking for a project management role elsewhere in the business!
What advice do you have for school leavers?
I’d tell anybody to consider all the possibilities. There’s much greater choice and opportunities out there than people realise. Don’t rule out something out just because your school is pushing university on you. Instead, be curious, research what’s out there and find what’s right for you.
We offer a range of apprenticeships across our business, creating opportunities to join our business on paid training programmes. Find out more about our apprenticeship scheme here.
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