Alex Male: Information Technology & Business Administration Apprentice

Alex Male left school following his GCSE’s and was working in nightclubs as a bartender. As well as bartending, Alex has a passion for music and has played gigs across the country and abroad. Alex decided he wanted to develop a career, earn money and gain new skills, while still being part of the band. Alex always enjoyed IT and felt he would like the chance to use his skills, so he decided to look for an apprenticeship where he could gain new skills and qualifications, whilst doing something he enjoys.

Apprenticeship website

Alex found a vacancy on the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) website at the University of Liverpool within Human Resources for an IT apprentice. Alex knew that the University is one of the UK’s leading Universities, as well as being part of the Russell Group he decided to take a chance and apply.

Alex started his apprenticeship uploading staff files onto a new document management system, Serengeti, which was introduced to the University to convert all paper based personnel files to electronic ones. This means they are more secure, as only authorised people can access the files; and also means that files are more up to date and accurate.

Alex prepared the files prior to upload and checked work done by two newer apprentices in the team. This ensured consistency and helped to identify any training needs. Alex also trained staff members on the new system and provided support to staff experiencing hardware and/or software issues.

Support from colleagues

“I most enjoy the support I receive from my colleagues, helping me to gain valuable new experiences. It’s great to see the people interested in the apprenticeship scheme and how constructive and positive it is in helping young people develop their skills in the workplace”.

In high school, Alex was never made fully aware of what an apprenticeship was, as it was never discussed or promoted as an alternative to college or sixth form. However, Alex would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to other young people, due to the unique opportunities that they can lead to.

Alex has gained far more knowledge than he first expected, thanks to his line manager, who ensured that he had every opportunity to develop. “Working in HR has given me a professional attitude towards work. My communication skills, both verbal and written, have improved massively.” Alex has also gained new skills and experience in different areas of HR, helping him to complete the units required for his qualifications.

Whilst being at the University Alex has gained certificates such as OCR Level 3 CLAiT Certificate for IT users, OCR Level 3 diploma in IT user skills (ITQ), Key skills in ICT and Maths, Level 3 Business and Administration, EDI Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Business and Administration and City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Business and Administration.

The future

Recently, after 7 years committed to the band, it came to a point that Alex had to choose between featuring in a band and staying at the University. Alex told us “I decided to stay at the University as I have realised the potential I have, both in the workplace and academically. I have also become accustom to a 9 to 5 routine and a steady income, which is the opposite of the band life.” Alex will shortly commence his level 4 apprenticeship in Business and Professional Administration and is really looking forward to the opportunities it will provide him with. Following this Alex is hoping to apply for University roles to develop his IT skills further, in order to pursue a successful career in computing.