Appetite for Apprenticeship- Hollie McCafferty

Published on March 10, 2015 in News

Following yesterday’s Q&A with one of our current apprentices, Jake Curtis, we’re continuing our National Apprenticeship Week blog series. This time it’s the turn of Hollie McCafferty.

Name: Hollie McCafferty

Age: 19

Most important technology invention of the last 50 years:

I think the internet is the most important technology invention of the last 50 years simply because of the huge impact it has had on our lives.

The internet has had a huge influence on our ability to communicate as it has given us the ability to interact with people worldwide at any time. The internet gives people the opportunity to create content, offer different services and sell their goods, so has also a huge impact on modern business.

Q&A

1. How long have you been part of the Fujitsu Apprenticeship Scheme?

I have been a part of the Fujitsu Apprenticeship Scheme since late October 2014.

2. What department do you work in? What does your role entail?

I work within Business Operations on the PASS team which is a Project Administration Support Service.

My role focuses on providing support to a number of different accounts and projects. Examples of this includes reporting for customers and working with the Fujitsu Services Engineering Services team doing jobs such as completing Daily Activity Reports and making hotel bookings for engineers. I also offer support to the Business Support team helping to carry employees annual leave over to 2015. My role also entails raising invoices and purchase orders.

3. Why did you choose to join an apprenticeship scheme? Why Fujitsu?

I chose the apprenticeship route because it means I am earning while I’m learning. I am able to further my education and career with on the job training, gaining the skills specific to the jobs within the business industry.

I chose Fujitsu as I learnt that the company had a passion for development and providing their employees with lots of opportunities to build a career.

4. What is a main challenge in finding a job as a UK school-leaver? Do you believe enough advice was given to you when you were searching for a placement?

School-leavers are unsure where to turn for support and advice when finding jobs or apprenticeships.

I feel that there should be more advice available to school-leavers encouraging the apprenticeship scheme as many people don’t know where to go to find the opportunities.

5. What is the major learning from your experience on the scheme so far?

To take every opportunity I am given to take on new work as it’s helped to expand my knowledge of the business and has also widen my variety of skills I can offer.

Networking is also crucial in such a big company as being recognised can have many advantages and can offer new and exciting opportunities.

6. Where would you like to be in five years’ time?

I’m not entirely sure, it’s too early to say yet as I have only been at Fujitsu for 4 months. As I gain more experience taking on different pieces of work, I hope to have more of an idea where I would like to be in the future.

7. Why did you choose a career in IT?

I chose a career in IT as I was interested in gaining more knowledge about the industry and its development. I also believed that the Information Technology industry needs more women as it is still heavily male-dominated.

8. What most excites you about the ICT industry?

That it is constantly changing and evolving. I am excited by the number of major innovations which have the potential to completely change lives, for example the introduction of social media/networking allowing people to communicate from anywhere in the world at any time.

9. What piece of advice would you give to someone starting an apprentice scheme?

Be sure you are ready for the world of work. There is support and advice always available but you need to show you are punctual and a person the business can rely on. You need to be willing to learn.

You also need to have and show passion for your chosen industry and company you wish to be a part of. I would give people the advice to show lots of enthusiasm and willingness to learn new things – thereby making a good first impression.

10. Please summarise your time as an apprentice in three words.

Beneficial, exciting and stimulating.

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Jim Millen

Digital Content Editor at Fujitsu

I'm the editor for the Fujitsu UK & Ireland blog, and love to write about the exciting work Fujitsu do in digital & technology innovation.

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