Apprenticeship Testimonial — Level 4 Business Analyst

On National Apprenticeship Week 2023, we touched base with a current apprentice at Computacenter to ask about her experience.

In the UK, the prevailing mindset is that college students should progress to university. Parents and teachers encourage it; however, for some, apprenticeships can be a better option. “In the end, it’s about what helps you meet your goals,” Mante told us.

Mante Samusyte had always been interested in IT. At the time this opportunity arose, she was in her final year of college in Stevenage. She was focusing on IT (Level 3), learning to code in class and also as a hobby.

Like other students, Mante had heard about apprenticeships, but had misconceptions. “I wasn’t so sure about them. I thought it was more like, a bit of studying, a bit of admin work that no one else at the office wants to deal with…but I was so wrong!”

In the weeks leading up to the UCAS application deadline, several universities visited her college to advertise. “I was thinking of Computer Science; I would have probably done a general degree and specialised in AI later. At the same time though, I didn’t quite feel uni was right for me.”

Luckily, around that same time, she saw the advert for the final event of the series, an apprenticeship info session with Computacenter. She didn’t know about them, but the opportunity piqued her interest.

“I researched them online. I really liked the way the company was led, the many IT roles it offers…I was ill that week, but I couldn’t miss it. I wanted the chance to have the recognition of a global company on my CV,” Mante told us.

At the session, she listened to the experience of a current Business Administration apprentice and took part in an activity session. She also found out that, if apprentices don’t thrive in their roles, they can be transferred to different departments whilst continuing to learn. The company, which helps large organisations source, transform, and manage their digital infrastructure, was very supportive of learners’ long-term development.

Mante, who had been working part-time during college, had felt for a long time that she wanted not just to study, but also to work, and that the financial reality of apprenticeships was better suited to her needs.

“Even if I did my degree abroad, in Germany, there would still be significant debt,” and giving up a paycheck didn’t feel right. Ultimately, what helped her decide what the support of her family, especially her mum. “We spent a lot of time talking about what would be best for me. She was supportive from the start; it just took time for me to convince myself so I could see it too.”

So, when applying for university, Mante applied for apprenticeships too.

She was initially interested in being a Data Analyst, but, as the deadline had passed, she contacted the company for more information. The apprenticeship team was very supportive; they sent her the curriculum for several programs and explained that, based on what she wanted to learn, the Business Analyst role was an even better option. In the end, Mante applied to two programmes.

The entire process, from submitting her CV and cover letter and interviewing twice to being accepted into the programme, lasted one month. In the UK, it usually takes three months to find out which university a student has been accepted into; sometimes, students must apply again to confirm they will take their place. “The apprenticeship application process was much easier, and I already had all the documents I needed on-hand, whilst with universities I had to produce new ones,” Mante told us.

As a result, Mante started her apprenticeship with Computacenter last summer; it’s an 18-month Business Analyst Programme with Firebrand (Level 4) and she feels “quite settled” in her role. Mante is in a team of 10 people, including Senior Managers, and, as part of her role, spends time on rotation in different business areas. She mostly focuses on internal change and problem management. She feels close to her team; “everyone is accepting” and she networks a lot.

Thus far, studying is her favourite part because she’s in control of what and when to learn. She also enjoys the fact that, unlike university assignments, which can sometimes feel random, her apprenticeship assignments are directly tied to her role, evidencing things she has done.

If she met her college self today, she would tell herself to definitely go for it.

“If you’re willing to put in the work, it’s definitely worth it. By work, I mean being able to put yourself out there, take responsibility, be accountable for what you do, not wait for things to be handed down to you…I would recommend apprenticeships to everyone who wants a good career.”

So, what does the future hold?

“After the end of the apprenticeship, I definitely want to stay with the company and progress into a Business Analyst role,” Mante says. Further apprenticeships, including degree apprenticeships, are in the cards too, perhaps to help her specialise in a more technical role. But, until then, there’s this one to finish, including passing the End Point Assessment (EPA) at the end of this year.

Thank you for talking to us, Mante, and good luck on your EPA!