This National Apprenticeship Week, we're shining a spotlight on our fantastic IT Officer Ibrahim Matadar, who is currently completing a Degree Apprenticeship in Digital and Tech Solutions at the Great Schools Trust.
Ibrahim recently completed his Level 3 Information Communications Technician Apprenticeship at the trust and decided to progress onto a higher level of study.
Ibrahim originally decided to take the apprenticeship pathway as he believed "it was the perfect combination of hands-on experience and formal learning." Throughout his Level 3 Apprenticeship, Ibrahim developed a range of technical skills, such as diagnosing and fixing hardware issues and managing networks, as well as soft skills including communication and teamwork.
Ibrahim is thoroughly enjoying his Degree Apprenticeship so far and feels he is gaining valuable real-world experience. He states: "I’m enjoying the balance between hands-on work and university, which allows me to apply new concepts directly in my role. I’ve been learning a lot through my current IT consulting and software engineering modules, which have helped me develop both technical expertise and problem-solving skills. Applying these in real-world scenarios, especially when liaising with schools interested in joining our trust, has been incredibly valuable."
Ibrahim feels very well supported by the trust in terms of both his current role and future career opportunities. He says: "The support from the trust and especially the IT team has been fantastic, they’ve been very encouraging, providing guidance when needed and ensuring I have opportunities to grow within my role. It’s reassuring to know that my development is a priority, both in my apprenticeship and in the wider context of my career."