Apprenticeship advice

LiamA1999

Hi,

So I've been doing an IT Networking Apprenticeship for 9 months now and I'm liking the course itself. However, since I've started I've been in the warehouse picking orders that go out on hire and when they return from being on-hire I reimage laptops and return them back to stock.

I've been back and forth with my employer telling them that I don't feel like it's right that I'm not in the correct role for the apprenticeship I'm studying for. They've been good with my OTJ and giving me time to study.

I just wonder if it's normal to be placed in a mismatched role for an apprenticeship and whether it goes against the apprenticeship agreement?

Thanks

Reply 1

Bookworm784

Original post by LiamA1999

Hi,
So I've been doing an IT Networking Apprenticeship for 9 months now and I'm liking the course itself. However, since I've started I've been in the warehouse picking orders that go out on hire and when they return from being on-hire I reimage laptops and return them back to stock.
I've been back and forth with my employer telling them that I don't feel like it's right that I'm not in the correct role for the apprenticeship I'm studying for. They've been good with my OTJ and giving me time to study.
I just wonder if it's normal to be placed in a mismatched role for an apprenticeship and whether it goes against the apprenticeship agreement?
Thanks

Can you review the original job spec for the apprenticeship and check that job is included on your duties. Unfortunately I'm not sure there is a lot you can do about it if you have already questioned it with your line manager and they want you to continue. I assume the apprenticeship is over a couple of years. Perhaps the next new apprentice gets to take over that job from you. The newest signing gets the scutt work.
Provided you gain relevant experience and training it might be best to stick it out and leave once qualified citing that job as a reason to leave. Hope that helps.

Reply 2

LiamA1999

The job spec is the same as if I was to just to apply to work in the warehouse, I admit I was hasty and didn't question it, but at the same time I was getting offered a role to do my apprenticeship so I blindly said yes.

They had an apprentice as I joined who was finishing up the apprenticeship however, he was put straight in with the IT department.

This apprenticeship is a level 3 for 1 year, which I was hoping to progress to level 4/ Degree apprenticeship within the same company but as there's no movement with me moving to another department I'll end up leaving to find another company.

Reply 3

Bookworm784

In that case, just stick it out for another 3 months, then you have completed your apprenticeship and got a years work experience under your belt. All great adds to your CV. By the sounds of it, this is NOT the best firm to stay as they don't value your apprenticeship nor your attempts to make it work for both employer and employee.
Start applying now for new placements in your preferred area especially if they start in September again. This time maybe be a bit more picky with your placement. Trainee placements are great way to get good work experience which put you ahead of the crowd in your next application. Hope that helps.