Becoming a Spartan – Compressing three years’ experience into one – The update
Back in October 2013 I wrote a blog about the Spartan approach to 3x faster learning. The proof of the pudding is that I am now in month six of my Spartan Apprenticeship and have already completed the coursework required to achieve my qualification.
The views of a student and External Assessor Deborah Carline sum up the experience at Spartan:
“I expect my students to finish their Apprenticeship ahead of schedule, to a high standard and to carve a successful career in any area they decide upon.
In my opinion students have been able to achieve this depth of development through their own maturity and the working environment which has been supportive and enabled the student to experience a variety of tasks.
It has been a pleasure to work with Spartan Solutions to support students in their achievements to date.”
Deborah Carline, Business Administration Assessor, QA Ltd
I am delighted to have finished ahead of schedule and look forward to the next big challenge!
Here is my original post;
Having only started less than three months ago, my time here at Spartan has been very rewarding. So far, I have dived right into the deep end – from setting up our blogging platform to making a splash at one of Europe’s largest energy trade shows.
During my interview, the Spartan team explained that working with the company in the mobile technology space would give me three times the experience of working in a ‘normal’ company.
Here’s how my first 10 weeks have gone…
The Blogger
My first role as a Spartan was to set up our blog, templates and other guides to follow. Having assigned a topic to each of our other members of the team, we were on our way to get started on our blog design. After spending days on finding our perfect layout, making sure it was compatible on every device and browser, we were ready to publish our first ever blog post – “BYOD in the Industrial Environment: 5 Design Tips for App Developers”. It is just the start of our ‘blogging’ process, but we predict bigger things to come.
Want to find out more? Click here…
The Photographer – Offshore Europe 2013
Despite being the resident newbie, I was asked in my first few weeks of starting to join the team at the spectacular Offshore Europe 2013. As I made my way through hall one of six, I was happily snapping away. Later on I was joined by Jim (Spartan Managing Director) who donned our ‘Spartan Battle Helmet’ and walked round the arena. It certainly made heads turn! At one point we found ourselves in the middle of renowned TV Chef Nick Nairn’s display. In my quick reaction I pulled out my camera and managed to secure the shot that became our signature photo to sum up the day.
The Young Professional – Flying Solo at Expo Scotland
Following on from Offshore I was asked to attend Expo Scotland. This time it was slightly different – I would be going it alone. As it was my first solo event representing the company I was feeling very nervous, but I felt that the experience helped me develop and be more secure in my role. I have gained invaluable experience during the various events I have attended as a ‘Spartan’, but this one for me was the most important, as I saw the trust and respect that my managers had, asking me to represent the company on my own. I felt slightly nervous at the start of the day, but as the event progressed I started to feel more comfortable and confident. I really enjoyed networking, as it gave me the opportunity to show my potential and create a good impression.
Back to the office – More fun than it sounds!
Aside the glamour and the excitement of the marketing events, there is a desk job behind the role.
There are meetings to be had, emails to respond to and planning to do. But as a Spartan, there is always an element of amusement to be had. Within my first month I was welcomed to various meetings, where I was continuously learning how to do my job even better. Taking notes, doing presentations and broadcasting what you have learned is the most valuable experience I have gained from working at Spartan. We are all constantly learning new ways of doing things. It’s the journey that we go on together that makes what we do worthwhile.
Spartan has contributed to my development in business, technical knowledge and most importantly, my confidence. I wholeheartedly believe that within a year, the ability, experience and knowledge I will gain, will equate to three years’ experience in a more traditional company…
Click here to find out more about Phalanx and BYOD…](/phalanx-info/phalanx-overview)
About QA Apprenticeships Ltd.
Formed in 2009, QA Apprenticeships is part of QA – the UK’s leading learning business.
They are the first IT apprenticeships business rated Ofsted Outstanding in all areas. And are an award-winning apprenticeships provider, offering apprenticeships in IT, sales and business apprenticeships throughout England and Scotland.
Why choose QA Apprenticeships?
- The first IT apprenticeships business rated Ofsted Outstanding in all areas
- 100% of QA Apprentices have jobs from day one of their 12–14 month apprenticeship programmes
- 94% of QA apprentices secure permanent employment after completing; this is 20% higher than the national average (National Apprenticeship Service 2012)
- They have won the coveted Apprenticeship Programme of the Year award for three consecutive years at The Learning Awards 2012, 2013 & 2014
- Leading apprenticeship partner for Microsoft, Oracle, HP, Cisco and Association of Project Management
For more information on OA or Apprenticeships please click here…