Dylan Green is an Apprentice Service Desk Analyst at Exeter College, and has just completed his first month with Timewade. In this blog, find out why he decided to study an apprenticeship, and what he’s enjoyed most about his work so far.
“I decided to become an apprentice because it gives you the best of both worlds – you’re learning, and you’re working, and you get to test out the world of work before diving straight in! So far, my favourite work I’ve been involved with has to be networking. Managing firewalls, virtual machines, and keeping the digital highways safe fascinates me.”
“Before this, I completed a T-Level in Digital Support Services at Exeter College, which gave me a good understanding of the world of IT, and prepared me for an apprenticeship in the same area. But even before that, I knew I wanted to work in technology since studying Computer Science at school.
“Now I’m with Timewade, I’m learning more than I could’ve imagined. The apprenticeship offers me a unique overview of the Service Desk and the team’s pivotal role as Timewade’s first line of support in tackling technical issues.”
Dylan spends one day a week at Exeter College with the other apprentices on his course, learning more about the theoretical side of what he’s doing. At the moment he’s studying a module on Programming and Communication.
“What I learn at college often finds a direct application in my daily work, so it’s nice to apply what I’m learning in the real world.
“I’m also lucky to be working with Alfie and Joe, two other apprentices at Timewade. We help each other out and share our knowledge, and it’s great to have them there for support. My manager, Ross, has also been really supportive, and he’s already taught me so much in only a few weeks.”
The Service Desk provides remote reactive technical support to clients, responding to and resolving IT issues, monitoring software, and making recommendations to prevent issues arising in the future.
“So far, my favourite work I’ve been involved with has to be networking. Managing firewalls, virtual machines, and keeping the digital highways safe fascinates me. I also really enjoy the Microsoft365 administrative tasks – handling user accounts, licences, email blocks, and crafting SharePoint sites. The Service Desk is really varied as well, which keeps it interesting. One day, it’s dealing with a quarantine email, and the next, it’s troubleshooting a server that’s gone down!
“Looking forward, I’d like to join the project team on one of their client site visits, and find out more about what they do. Timewade places a big emphasis on visiting clients at their sites, and I’d like to see what it’s like getting to meet clients, and all their tech, in person.”
If you’re contemplating going down the apprenticeship route, Dylan really recommends going for it.
“An apprenticeship gives you the perfect mixture of learning and working, combining studying with on-the-job skills and experience. Plus, you get to meet so many new people, and learn from them and their experiences.”
Talk to our team about apprenticeship opportunities at Timewade.
Find out about apprenticeships at Exeter College.
