Appetite for Apprenticeship-Jake Curtis

Published on March 9, 2015 in News

It’s that time of the year again – National Apprenticeship Week is here and putting careers firmly at the top of the news agenda. Throughout the Week, we’ll be asking some of our top current apprentices their thoughts on technology and more widely, the challenges of starting a career.

For more information about the Fujitsu apprenticeship scheme, take a look here.

jake

Name: Jake Curtis

Age: 19

Most important technology invention of the last 50 years:

The obvious answer is the internet. It is the forefront of almost all knowledge and if it internet were to vanish one day, people would be in complete disarray. But surely they would get over it – the web isn’t a necessity to life after all. With that in mind, for me, the most important technology innovation in the past 50 years has to be technology that has truly enriched our lives or, more specifically technology that has saved lives.

Medical technology has come on leaps and bounds in the past 50 years; the equipment now available to surgeons is like something out of a Star Trek film. This technology has saved people with medical conditions that would have been deemed life threatening not too long ago, not only that but procedures can now be done a lot faster and a lot safer with the use of technology. Therefore the most important technology innovation of the past 50 years in my opinion is medical equipment.

Q&A

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

Approaching 15 months

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

I work in procurement. My role involves IT Services team support, data analysis and supplier due diligence.

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

I believe an apprenticeship scheme is the best route to a career. Beginning young, getting a foot in the door early and gaining experience whilst at the same time making money – it seems to me to be a win-win. Fujitsu is a globally recognised brand and you may not know it but the likelihood is that Fujitsu has played some part in your day-to-day life, be that at the self-checkout in stores or a telephone.

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?

Extremely challenging! I must have had nearly 10 job interviews for all kinds of roles, ranging from a military career to engineering, which for a recent school-leaver you can imagine it was quite the daunting task.

In my case it felt like my school/college was more inclined to encourage students to take the university route. For some, that route is the right option but it was never something I wanted. So I felt the search for a career was down to myself with the great support from both my parents.

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

That apprentices can play such a large part in an organisation. At Fujitsu, I never feel like just an apprentice and I’m sure my colleagues feel the same. The support around us and the responsibility we have is like that of any other person in the office.

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

In five years’ time I would like to think I will be in a position assigned to those with an advanced knowledge and experience of procurement.

7. Why did you choose a career in IT?

Although IT is such a broad category, in terms of the department I sit in especially, but in terms of computers and software I have always had a natural competency for it, assisted by my age of course growing up in a time where technology was so quickly developing.

Also I have always seen myself as someone who strives to reach the pinnacle of everything that they do and with IT, the sky’s the limit – you can always move forward.

8. What most excites you about the ICT industry?

A bit of geeky answer but all the technology yet to come as fabled in SCI-FI films. Technology will never stop improving, consumers increase demand and demand equals innovation. Newer more mind-blowing tech is being thrown out almost every week and it is truly a very exciting time to live in.

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

Open your mind, take everything in. Never look down on yourself, you’re capable of great things. It will be what you make of it and if you give it your all, you will reap the rewards.

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

Eye opening experience.

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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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