Ben Sumner

I started as an IT Apprentice at the Saïd Business School in September 2013 and I’ve been here ever since. Thanks to the help and support of my colleagues in IT, I’ve managed to progress through the years. I’m now about to embark on a new role as IT Service Desk Manager.

  1. Why did you choose to do Apprenticeship-based training?
    I was always interested in computers growing up, but after completing A-Levels the idea of going to university to study something like computer science never appealed to me. I realised soon after that an IT apprenticeship was the route I wanted to take. This was due to the fact I could gain work experience, qualifications and earn a wage all at the same time. 
     
  2. What did you gain from the Apprenticeship?
    Aside from my IT qualifications I gained all the knowledge and skills required to undertake a role in IT support. My apprenticeship also gave me a great insight in how an IT team operates.

    The University apprenticeship team and the Saïd Business School really invested in my development, which is why I’m still here today. 
     

  3. What have you done since and how has the Apprenticeship helped this?
    Since completing my apprenticeship I’ve stayed at the business school. I’ve worked my way up from an apprentice and I’m now about to start my role as IT Service Desk Manager.

    Doing an apprenticeship gave me the confidence I needed to apply for new roles, and the experience I gained along the way helped me hit the ground running when I progressed into an IT Officer role. 
     

  4. Future plans? 
    I certainly don’t see myself working in a job that isn’t heavily involved with IT in some shape or way. I’m about to start my new role as Service Desk Manager, so that’s my focus at the moment. 
     
  5. Advice for other employees considering it?
    Do it! Make sure the area you want to work in is interesting to you and be prepared to put in the time and effort. Working and learning at the same time can be demanding, but the end result is incredibly rewarding. 

 


Ben won an apprentice award in 2015 at our internal apprenticeship awards.

Ben Sumner, Apprenticeship Awards 2015, University of Oxford