Layer8 apprentice, Charlie Thomas, has recently completed his Level 3 IT apprenticeship, marking an exciting career milestone after two years working with the company.
Whilst working full time with Layer8, Charlie has also been undertaking an 18-month training course with BPP Firebrand, where he has had the opportunity to learn more about the core principles of IT and how he can best use these skills across his work.
Charlie officially joined Layer8 in April 2024 as an IT Service Desk Apprentice and has quickly established himself as a reliable and well-regarded member of the team, delivering high quality support while gaining hands-on experience that has helped him grow in his IT career.
Now stepping into a Trainee Network Engineer role at Layer8, Charlie will begin a Level 4-degree apprenticeship while continuing his training through an 18-month networking course with BPP Firebrand.
Tell me more about your apprenticeship at Layer8.
“I first joined Layer8 on a two-day work experience placement, where I helped decommission and rebuild a laptop. It was something I’d never done before, but the team seemed to really like my approach, and they invited me back to start a full-time apprenticeship. I officially started in April 2024 on a two-year contract, balancing full-time work with the team while undertaking an 18-month training course with BPP Firebrand, which I successfully completed with a merit.”
What made you want to apply for an apprenticeship with Layer8?
“I was initially planning to go to university to do a degree in Maths, however, I later realised that this wasn’t the right path for me. I didn’t have any previous experience working in the IT industry, but I had always had an interest in computers, so when the company offered me an apprenticeship, it felt like the right next step.”
How has your understanding of the IT industry evolved since you started?
“When I first started, I had no IT experience and little understanding of the industry, however, through a lot of hands-on learning and guidance from my colleagues, I have been able to learn vital skills that have provided me with a strong foundation to grow in my career.”
What skills learnt during the apprenticeship will be most valuable in your new role?
“I’ve learnt to take a step back and really think things through. There are always multiple perspectives to a problem and different ways to approach it, so it’s important to consider the most effective solution. Most of what I’ve learnt during my apprenticeship isn’t just about knowing facts, it’s about applying that knowledge in real situations, and that’s been the most valuable skill for me so far.”
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
“I’m excited to begin my Level 4-degree apprenticeship in May, where I’ll be working as a Trainee Network Engineer with Layer8. Alongside my full-time role, I’ll be undertaking an 18-month networking course with BPP Firebrand, allowing me to build on the skills and experience I’ve already developed while specialising further in the area of IT I’m most interested in.”
Is there a project or task that you have worked on that you’re particularly proud of?
“One of the highlights of my apprenticeship was helping set up the Bridges team’s new office in Southampton. I worked closely with Layer8’s Network Lead, Willhelm Sem-Jacobsen, as well as the office’s building manager and IT department, to make sure our equipment worked smoothly with the shared office’s IT systems.
“Another project I was proud to be a part of was helping implement the Lithnet password policy alongside my mentor, Alex Sheppard. Although the installation itself was straightforward, understanding how it worked and how easily it could disrupt the business if something were misconfigured was more challenging. I am now one of only three people on the team who really understands it inside out, which has been a great learning experience.”
What advice would you give to young people looking to get into IT?
“Learn as much as you can. There’s nothing more valuable than understanding how things actually work. You need hands-on experience to be able to succeed in the IT industry, something I’ve learnt during my time at Layer8.”
How have your colleagues supported your development?
“My mentor, Alex Sheppard, is really passionate about IT and has given me a solid understanding of how and why systems work, which has helped shape my view of the industry. My manager, Paul Biggin, has also been a big support, he really cares about his team and wants to make sure we all succeed in what we do. Honestly, I’ve learnt so much from everyone in the department and appreciate the support they have given me over the past two years.”
What are your career goals for the next few years?
“My main goal is to achieve a distinction in my degree apprenticeship. After that, I’ll see where it takes me. I’m happy to keep learning and doing what I’m doing now.”
What responsibilities are you most excited to take on in your new role?
“I’m looking forward to taking on more responsibility on the networking side of the role, working closely with Will Sem-Jacobsen, who will be my mentor throughout the next two years of my apprenticeship. As the team continues to take on more clients, there will be more opportunities for site visits and changeovers, helping businesses set up their IT systems, which I’m really excited about.”
Would you encourage others to begin their career with an apprenticeship?
“Absolutely, a degree doesn’t always guarantee a job or teach you everything you need to know. You need to talk to people and gain hands-on experience to really understand how IT works. Until you see something first-hand, it doesn’t fully click. An apprenticeship gives you the chance to build your knowledge from the ground up and see how things work in the real world.”