Chloe Auger is an analyst at C.I.KNOW while training via the Level 3 Information Communications Technician (ICT) apprenticeship with Kaplan. While for employers, deciding to hire a new apprentice is an important one, Chloe proved just how valuable this decision can be after she became C.I.KNOW’s first apprentice.
Since starting her apprenticeship in September 2023, Chloe has developed her knowledge, skills and experience as an analyst. But her hard work and dedication have been recently acknowledged as she found herself on the shortlist for the BCS IT & Digital Apprenticeship Awards 2024 in the IT Infrastructure, Networks & Support Apprentice of the Year category.
We caught up with Chloe to find out more about her experience so far…
What made you think about an apprenticeship?
I wanted to take a practical approach when learning. I think I learn better when I understand the context in which I’ll use the knowledge. And with the apprenticeship, I get many opportunities to practice and apply that knowledge.
How have you found your training?
My manager at C.I.KNOW is very supportive. I like the small class sizes as it gives a lot of opportunities to ask questions, and the teacher is approachable and does his best to structure the classes in an active and engaging way.
“The learning programme at Kaplan is pretty solid - from the syllabus to the talent coach to the tutors and training materials.”
What advice would you give to someone looking at an apprenticeship in tech?
There are a lot of free short courses, and there are many different tech roles. It can be good to explore what you want in this way before you commit to an 18-month programme. Don’t worry if you find the work difficult - independent study can be hard. Focus on whether you find it interesting or purposeful as this will make challenges seem fun instead of stressful. Fun challenges are the key to better learning.
Seek advice and consider if you will enjoy both the work and the culture within the industry or role you’re looking at. For example, with coding-related jobs, you’ll often need strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently. In a tech support role, your customer service skills, such as patience and communication, will be valuable.
“I like the small class sizes as it gives a lot of opportunities to ask questions.”
How has your talent coach been throughout your apprenticeship?
Throughout my apprenticeship, my talent coach has been instrumental in guiding me through the various requirements and tasks. She demonstrates a remarkable ability to stay organised and ensures that I understand each aspect of the apprenticeship thoroughly.
I’m particularly grateful for the constructive feedback that my talent coach provides, which is always delivered with encouragement and support.
“My talent coach’s dedication to my growth and development has been invaluable and I’m fortunate to have her on this journey.”
So far, what has been the best thing about being an apprentice?
I think the most important factor has been my choice of company, C.I.KNOW. While an apprenticeship can be beneficial anywhere, I specifically like that I work for a boutique consultancy that will allow me to work on so many different kinds of projects in the future.
The leadership team at C.I.KNOW are all very experienced and have multiple years leading teams in other organisations before starting this one, and I appreciate both the resulting quality of their leadership and the opportunity to learn from them.
“Fun challenges are the key to better learning.”
Because I work in a small team, there are fewer layers of management so I have a more direct line of communication when I want to suggest improvements to how we work. I generally get as much responsibility as I wish to take on, and there are a lot of opportunities to grow. I enjoy the autonomy I get in my role, where I get to manage my time and direct my learning into areas that I think will be useful for the business.
How did you feel about being a finalist for ICT apprentice of the year?
Excited! I’m the first apprentice in C.I.KNOW and I’ve achieved a great deal since joining the team in September 2023. I hope that by doing well, this sets a strong precedent to show what can be achieved, and I hope that I can inspire future apprentices in C.I.KNOW. It also reflects well on my company, and I hope to continue making valuable contributions in the future.
Find out more
If you’re looking to grow your workplace and boost the skills of existing or new colleagues, speak to our team who can guide you through the process.
If you are looking for an apprenticeship for yourself, browse through our current vacancies or read more about how to talk to your current employer about starting an apprenticeship.