It’s hard to believe I’ve been an LIG Apprentice for six months, but time has flown by, and it’s been a rewarding journey so far. This 6 month point provides a great opportunity to reflect on the progress I’ve made, the skills I’ve developed, and what I’m excited to learn next.
Achievements so far
These past six months have been a valuable experience, and I’m pleased to say everything is going smoothly. My tutors are happy with the work I’ve submitted, which is always reassuring. The regular meetings with my tutor and Jamie Johnson (my manager and mentor at LIG) have been productive and have helped keep me on track. We’ve discussed my progress, clarified any areas where I needed guidance, and planned ahead for the next stages of my apprenticeship. I’m grateful for the support I’ve received, and it’s clear that this collaborative approach is helping me get the most out of my apprenticeship.
Key lessons learnt
One of the most important things I’ve taken away from these six months is a much broader understanding of how IT projects are structured and managed. It’s been fascinating to learn about different methodologies, particularly how they shape the planning, execution, and evaluation of projects. This knowledge will undoubtedly help me in the future when managing projects of my own.
Beyond project management, I’ve been able to improve my technical skills, which is helping me with my day-to-day tasks. Whether it’s troubleshooting, supporting system development, or getting more hands-on with IT infrastructure, these technical competencies are becoming second nature, which is very encouraging. The blend of business acumen and technical skills is something I’ve really valued, and I can see how both will contribute to my future career in IT.
Looking ahead
Looking forward, I’m particularly excited about starting the software module. I’ll be learning more about Apex, the programming language used by Salesforce. This module will have a direct impact on our work with Sitetracker, which LIG uses extensively, so the skills I develop here should prove very useful in practice. It feels like a key step towards more specialised skills that align with LIG’s operations, and I’m eager to dive in.
I’m also looking forward to continuing to develop my project management skills. The apprenticeship is giving me a whole view of IT, not just from a technical standpoint, but also in terms of how IT fits into wider business processes. This blend of knowledge will be invaluable as I progress.
Sam’s manager Jamie said “Sam has made fantastic progress over the past six months, and I’m really pleased with how well he has integrated into the LIG IT team. His dedication to both his studies and his work is clear, and it’s great to see him apply the skills he’s learning to real-world projects. Sam is not only growing in his technical abilities but also developing a strong understanding of how IT supports the wider business. We’re excited to see his continued growth and the positive impact he’ll have on the team going forward.”
Final thoughts
In summary, these six months have been both productive and eye-opening. I’ve gained a lot of insight into the world of IT and business, and I’m more confident in my abilities. There’s still much more to learn, but I feel well-equipped for the challenges ahead. With new modules and more project involvement on the horizon, I’m excited to see where the rest of my apprenticeship takes me.
Thank you to everyone at LIG for the continued support – I’m eager to keep pushing forward and developing my career in IT!
Read more about Sam’s hopes for the future.