Since its revamp in 2021, our Level 3 Information Communications Technician programme has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of talented IT professionals across the industry!

With first-hand experience in life as a Level 3 ICT Apprentice at LDN, we uncover the key elements that made recent LDN graduate Mihai's journey with Sybarite a resounding success and allowed him to achieve a Merit for his final apprenticeship grade.

*Mihai (left) captured providing technical support to the team in the Sybarite office.*

From the guidance and mentorship provided by our expert Skills Coaches to the hands-on experience gained through practical training, Mihai and line manager Andrew spoke to us about their time with LDN and the subsequent impact the apprenticeship has had on the Sybarite team.

But, what motivated Mihai and Andrew to kickstart their apprenticeship journey with LDN?

What encouraged you to apply for the role with Sybarite as part of the ICT apprenticeship?

Mihai: I applied for the role with Sybarite as part of the ICT apprenticeship because I had just completed an online traineeship in ICT and was looking to start my career in IT.

After meeting Andrew and seeing the office, I knew it was the perfect place for me to learn as there was a lot of opportunity to work with various parts of the industry such as hardware, software, servers, network security, and more. Plus, Andrew was the only person in the IT department which meant there was a lot for me to learn.

What inspired you to recruit Mihai via the ICT apprenticeship with LDN?

*Mihai’s line manager and Sybarite IT Manager, Andrew Newall.*

Andrew: As a growing company Sybarite needed to increase the capacity of their IT department.

We decided to go down the apprenticeship route as it offered not only financial support with employment but also the chance for us to find the “right fit” for our company and to train the apprentice in the specialised market we operate in.

We are also great believers in giving young people a chance to thrive and grow within our organisation.

One of the key factors contributing to Mihai's success was the unwavering support he received from line manager Andrew in the exposure to new IT tasks. Combined with the assistance from Mihai’s dedicated LDN Skills Coach, Sybarite’s guidance and encouragement played a vital role in shaping Mihai's development - helping him to thrive in his apprenticeship.

How have you supported Mihai's development since he started as an apprentice at Sybarite?

Andrew: Mihai has been continually supported at Sybarite with day-to-day training on all aspects of running an in-house IT department. Over the last 18 months, Mihai has progressed to the point where he has now been taken on by Sybarite and is a valued member of the team.

We also supported Mihai with his LDN training, allowing time and resources for him to complete the course. Going forward Mihai will always be supported and is already embarking on further training within the IT sector.

How has LDN helped you to develop within your role at Sybarite so far?

Mihai: LDN has played a significant role in my development as an apprentice at Sybarite. They have provided me with a wealth of resources and materials from various online courses, covering topics such as computer hardware and networking.

Throughout my apprenticeship, LDN has been a reliable source of support, always available to answer any questions I had about topics that were new to me. They have been especially helpful when it came to ensuring that my projects met the requirements of the apprenticeship programme.

Currently, I am working on building a new ticketing system at Sybarite. The company previously did not have one, and with the IT department expanding, having a ticketing system will be very helpful for new starters. Additionally, I have been working on a major upgrade of most of the deprecated hardware in the office. These have been significant projects that have allowed me to develop my skills and gain experience working on projects that benefit the company as a whole.

Overall, LDN has been instrumental in helping me develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in my role at Sybarite.

Throughout his journey, not only had Mihai achieved remarkable milestones that significantly impacted his professional growth, but also produced fantastic work that benefitted the business as a whole.

How has Mihai supported the Sybarite team since he joined?

Andrew: Mihai has been the “face” of Sybarite’s IT department, being based onsite and helping with all the company’s IT needs. He is friendly, interactive, supportive, and always ready to help.

Both I and Sybarite could not have wished for a better apprentice and now a better IT support assistant. Mihai works closely with me on all new projects and has individually recently rolled out a new IT support ticketing system which has been taken on by the company with open arms.

Which IT projects have you played a significant role in at Sybarite?

Mihai: Currently, I am working on building a new ticketing system at Sybarite. The company previously did not have one, and with the IT department expanding, having a ticketing system will be very helpful for new starters.

Additionally, I have been working on a major upgrade of most of the deprecated hardware in the office. These have been significant projects that have allowed me to develop my skills and gain experience working on projects that benefit the company as a whole.

From facing challenges head-on to embracing opportunities, what advice do Mihai and Andrew have for future apprentices and employers considering the ICT programme?

What advice would you give to anyone considering starting a career in IT?

Mihai: My advice to anyone looking to start a career in IT would be to consider an apprenticeship path. Apprenticeships offer a great opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills required for a career in IT while working and earning a salary. Learning while working provides a valuable experience that cannot be gained through classroom-based learning alone.

Additionally, an apprenticeship can provide a clear career path and a range of job opportunities after completion. Overall, I strongly recommend considering an apprenticeship as a pathway to starting a successful career in IT.

What advice would you give to other employers thinking about taking on ICT Apprentices with LDN?

Andrew: I would not hesitate to recommend an LDN Apprentice, not only did LDN find the apprentice we required but they also supported and mentored Mihai throughout his journey, through to the completion of his course.

Due to the positive experience, we have had with LDN and Mihai we are considering taking on another apprentice with LDN, who will be supported and mentored by Mihai himself.

Curious to know what's next for Mihai? We found out how his apprenticeship transformed his career perspectives and opened the next exciting opportunity within his role at Sybarite.

How do you feel now that you have completed the apprenticeship?

Mihai: I feel proud and accomplished now that I have completed the apprenticeship at Sybarite. Throughout the apprenticeship, I gained valuable knowledge and skills in the IT field, which I now apply on a day-to-day basis.

I am responsible for a range of tasks such as backups, hardware replacement, software troubleshooting, and networking. My line manager closely monitors my progress and is always available to offer extra help when needed. Despite completing the apprenticeship, I am still eager to continue developing my skills and knowledge. I am considering pursuing a university course in computer science to further enhance my abilities and broaden my career prospects.

Huge thank you to Mihai and Andrew for taking the time to talk to us. It’s been fantastic to continually work with the team at Sybarite to create opportunities for diverse talent to start their rewarding & successful careers in IT.