You’re hired: Virgin Media calls for Apprentices


Job opportunities for young people in Hammersmith and Fulham

Following the immense success of its 2010 apprenticeship scheme, Virgin Media has once again launched a search to find around 300 new apprentices across the UK – 100 more than last year. The search in Hammersmith and Fulham has started, where the company is looking to recruit bright sparks eager to work hard and develop a new set of skills.

Peter Van-Den-Broeck, Head of Apprentice Programs from Virgin Media said: “We are thrilled to be offering apprenticeships to switched-on youngsters in Hammersmith and Fulham – it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to invest in the future of the business, while offering them a great start to their career.”

Apprenticeship schemes are a credible alternative to the traditional university option and offer young people a fast track route into the working world. They provide a means of gaining skills, qualifications and hands on work experience whilst earning money at the same time.

The new field technician apprentices at Virgin Media will work towards the company’s very own, nationally recognised QCF Level 2 (equivalent to NVQ Level 2) in Communication Technology. The qualification has been designed to help the apprentices develop a mix of both technical and customer services skills in a very short time frame, with a core focus on delivering a fantastic customer experience. Apprentices gain hands on experience of installing and disconnecting supply, fixing connection faults and learning how to ensure the safety of Virgin Media cabinets. When qualified, the apprentices will be part of a dedicated team responsible for installing and maintaining Virgin Media’s superfast broadband, phone and digital TV service for customers in Hammersmith and Fulham.

Virgin Media first rolled out its apprenticeship scheme three years ago across the company’s Networks division, providing young people with the opportunity to earn while they learn. So far this year the firm has already found 90 new employees who are now getting to grips with the company’s cutting-edge fibre-optic broadband service with speeds of up to 100Mb and state-of-the-art TV services, including its revolutionary TiVo-powered offering.

After the success of the previous recruitment drive, Virgin Media anticipates that the new scheme will find even more stars of the future. With a customer base of around five million enjoying cutting edge home entertainment services there are numerous opportunities for those ambitious enough to progress quickly within the company – 2009 recruit Marie Walker, for example, has already been promoted to the role of apprentices support manager for the Yorkshire area.

For further details and information on how to apply for one of the apprenticeships visit: http://careers.virginmedia.com/apprenticeship/

April 28, 2011