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“How many 19-year-olds can say they get to use this incredible equipment – and that’s all down to the IoT,” says Harry Smith.
The degree apprentice, who is on a Digital Technology Solutions (Network Engineering) course, has even contacted the manufacturer of one piece of technology to feedback on his experience – and make some suggestions.
“The virtual reality Igloo we have at Blackpool is an incredible piece of technology, it’s probably my favourite thing we get to use,” he said. “I’ve been in contact with the chief executive of Igloo to talk about how we’re using it and to help with any trouble shooting based on our experience. The fact that I’ve come from a Level 3 course and now I’m interacting with CEOs and using this amazing technology is mind-blowing. That’s because of the skills and confidence I’ve got from my IoT course.”
Harry, who is from Blackpool, began his three-year Level 6 degree apprenticeship following a recommendation from employers he met at a skills bootcamp and studied a two-year T Level in digital support services beforehand.
He and fellow learner Joseph Bennett are even using the skills they’re learning to immediately benefit the college they’re studying at. Blackpool and The Fylde College employs both degree apprentices, meaning they study for one day a week and spend the other four working at the college.
Harry Smith, Digital Technology Solutions (Network Engineering
“It’s a great balance of learning and then putting that learning into practice, but there are clear lines so on student days I can’t be asked to work,” says Harry. “I’m not teaching on the work days but I’m in the digital suites to provide technical support on the equipment.”
Still figuring out what he wants to do at the end of his degree apprenticeship, Harry sees huge potential using the skills he is learning. “Virtual production is a huge sector that a lot of our course links to, but then there is the networking side that I could go into,” he says.
Being a part of the IoT sets the learners apart and brings kudos, Harry believes, and he said he would encourage others to explore what the IoT can offer them. “You walk into the building and you feel like you’re part of something exciting,” he says. “As an IoT student we can access this technology whenever we want to, whether it’s for our studies or something we want to explore in our own time. We’re coming up with new ways of doing things and learning from each other and without the IoT that wouldn’t be possible.”
“You walk into the building and you feel like you’re part of something exciting."
