Apprentice Q&A – IT

As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2019, we are interviewing our current and past apprentices, to find out what it’s like to complete an apprenticeship, and work at Bradbury Group.

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Ethan Bettany, IT Technician, who completed an advanced apprenticeship here, through North Lindsey College. Ethan gives us an insight into why he chose an apprenticeship, and what it’s like to work in IT.

Ethan Bettany, 21, Software Developer

What apprenticeship did you complete and why?

I completed a Level 3 Computer Systems course in April 2017. I decided to go down this route as IT was my hobby, and was something I could see myself doing as a career. After my cancer diagnosis, I decided to take the plunge and apply for the role, which was a massive change from previously studying geology and geography.

What are your main responsibilities in your job role?

Developing the new online configuration software, as well as assisting in the implementation of the new ERP solution (SAP B1), whilst also assisting where needed with the day to day IT support within the office.

How has doing an apprenticeship helped you in your JOB?

It gave me real-world knowledge of issues and how to troubleshoot a problem that didn’t follow a ‘textbook’ fault. As well as this I have seen the different sides of the career, which was now enabled me to pursue the business analyst/software developer role, which previously I would not have been exposed to had I just stuck with the college course.

What do you hope to accomplish career-wise in the next five years?

I hope to continue the software development, and tailor the online configurator to the ever-changing needs of the industry, as well as ensure that the implementation of the new ERP system is as smooth as can be, to enable a whole new level of accuracy across the business. I’d also like to pursue the business analysis side, whereby I would identify faults within the business, and work with the relevant areas to resolve them.

Why would you recommend an apprenticeship to people considering one?

As mentioned previous, this enables you to see all the different aspects of the particular career path that you have chosen. In my case, this has also enabled me to experience a wide range of issues that you wouldn’t experience within the college course on its own. Lastly, it allows you to ‘earn whilst you learn’, so you can gain experience and advance your knowledge, whilst earning a wage.