How to Build a Career: Apprentice to IT Team Leader

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we’re showcasing how this training path can lead to more senior roles like an IT Team Leader.

In last year’s National Apprenticeship Week blog series, James Sayer had recently finished his Infrastructure Technician apprenticeship with Intequal, and his aspiration was to manage a team of engineers at Discovery Park. In this blog, James Sayer, now our Technical Team Leader shares what the role looks like on the day-to-day, and his advice as somebody who made the jump into leadership after completing an apprenticeship.

Speaking on his transition and responsibilities of the role, James said “Having passed my apprenticeship with a Distinction, I secured the role of IT Infrastructure Engineer. During this time, I realised I aspired to work towards the position of a Technical Team Leader, so I worked closely with my manager on the objectives required to fulfil my passion. I’m pleased to say that after having worked hard towards this, I was promoted to the role of Technical Team Leader, proving that sheer commitment and determination are rewarded within Communicate.”

“Within my role, I work closely with my manager to ensure new clients are onboarded and the relevant engineering teams are well positioned for support purposes. I play a major role in ensuring SLA’s (Service Level Agreements) are met within our service desk triage, escalating when required.”

“I have to say, I genuinely, thoroughly enjoy everything about my job and working for Communicate. I have an amazing line manager who is always there to mentor me and give me the means to fulfil my passions. The whole of Communicate integrates and functions seamlessly across all platforms.”

Formal education provides you with the technical building blocks for a career in IT. James highlights how practical training is key, but it’s not his only piece of advice when it comes to making the transition into leadership roles, “You should never be afraid to let your manager know what your aspirations are, then they can factor that in as the company grows and the teams expand. I’d recommend being as professional as possible, whether in the office or with clients, and to always show willingness to help colleagues out across the teams.”

Speaking on James’ success, Mark Styles, our Operations Director in Kent said, “Once onboarded, it was evident James showed a real passion for IT and managed to complete his apprenticeship ahead of time and credit to him, achieved an overall Distinction for his work.  It was this commitment to learning, and proving he worked well within Communicate, that he was offered a full-time IT Infrastructure position. Throughout his time, James continually strived towards developing and learning new skills, grasping opportunities along the way, such that when a new position opened, he was successful in being promoted to a Technical Team Leader”.

“At Communicate we are committed to investing in people so that colleagues can achieve their ambitions, being fast-tracked when the dedication and required skills are demonstrated. It’s these values that help us retain long-term employees, ultimately enhancing Communicate and our position within the MSP marketplace.”

IT Apprenticeships can open a whole host of opportunities, allowing you to specialise within areas of your interest, get your foot into the door of a competitive industry, or move into leadership positions. James is a shining example of how apprenticeships can be harnessed to move into leadership roles, and we’re proud to see him flourish at Communicate. If you’re interested in a career with us, we’re always looking for keen, talented individuals to join our team, so feel free to send your CV and Cover Letter to us here.