Slobodan, what does an ICT specialist do?
It’s a really broad field, so there are lots of different things you might end up taking on in this role. We install hardware and software, modify device configurations, train users and provide ICT support. I’m part of the Customer Care Tech team at Hostpoint, so I mainly help our customers who have technical and specialist questions. But I also monitor servers and carry out maintenance on test environments for web CMS as part of my remit.
Why did you choose a Hostpoint apprenticeship?
Once I’d worked out the direction I wanted to go in, I started looking for businesses offering an apprenticeship in the right field. I found a lot of companies online, but Hostpoint has by far the clearest website, and I found all the key information on the jobs page. I liked that there’s a form there where you can apply directly. After I’d attached all the necessary documents and information, my application was ready to go. Another big plus was the many benefits that are also available to trainees, such as public transport schemes and sports subscriptions.
I then did a good bit more research into Hostpoint and found lots of positive reviews from various sources. This is what ultimately motivated me to apply to Hostpoint.
How did you find the Hostpoint application process?
Just a few days after applying, I noticed that I’d received an e-mail from Hostpoint inviting me to a selection day. I was so excited. On the day, all of us who had applied for an apprenticeship were assessed through assignments and an interview. I could already see from this collaboration the equal respect shown to everyone at Hostpoint. I really liked that about the company and I was so happy to be offered the apprenticeship.
«It’s important that you don’t pretend to be someone you’re not during an interview and that you stay true to yourself.»
Tell us about a typical day at Hostpoint.
I usually start work between 8 and 9 in the morning. Once I’ve everything set up at my workstation, I first check whether there are written queries from customers that I can answer myself. These might range from simple things such as “How do I set up my e-mail client?” or more complex questions such as “Why is my website slow?” to special configurations on a Managed Flex Server.
After logging on to the hotline, I start to take calls. Every day, I talk to a whole host of different people and learn a lot in the process – and not just about the tech world. I can feel my communication skills improving as I professionally deal with customer questions and I also get to hear some interesting things on the side. For example, a customer who runs his website with Hostpoint told me there’s a dedicated club for people who love to repair pianos.
What tasks do you have to complete in your apprenticeship?
There are days when I advise customers on site or receive a special assignment intended to deepen my knowledge of a particular topic. Sometimes there are also technically complex cases where I get the chance to really drill down into what’s going on. I can always count on the support of my colleagues. They have so much experience in all kinds of different areas and are always happy to share their knowledge with me when I have questions.
At Hostpoint, you can learn a lot and work on exciting things every day.
What do you like best about us?
As an apprentice, Hostpoint places a lot of trust in me and I’m very grateful for that. I’m given the freedom to complete many tasks independently and can also contribute my own project suggestions. These might be ideas for improving the Hostpoint Control Panel or special configurations on a Managed Flex Server.
In our office, I can also relax in the quiet rooms when things have got a little stressful and I need a breather. And with the equipment I’m given, I can also work from home at times. These kinds of things show how much it matters to the company that we all feel well looked after here.
Daniel Ilg, Team Leader System Operations and vocational trainer at Hostpoint:
The transition from school to work is a big step for all trainees – less free time, new challenges and working with very different people and problems. Our job is to accompany them on this journey, to support them and to tailor our training to their existing knowledge and skills.
That’s why it’s so important to us that we take an individual approach. We want our apprentices to really have a pleasant, varied and exciting start to their working lives. I’m very happy to be a vocational trainer at Hostpoint because it’s incredibly fulfilling to help shape this process and see how our apprentices grow as a result.
Finally, what tips do you have for other young people looking for an apprenticeship?
Do lots of trial apprenticeships, preferably in different areas. You may well discover something you never thought you’d like until you try it out.
Apply to several companies at the same time and as early as possible, because the best positions are often filled quickly. I regularly hear of people only submitting a new application once they receive a rejection for their last application. However, it saves a lot of time if you send multiple applications at once.
It’s just as important to be yourself in a job interview. It might be possible to fake it in a short conversation, but you’ll eventually be found out during the probationary period.
Interested?
If you’re looking for an exciting and challenging Hostpoint apprenticeship, then check back regularly for information on our apprenticeship vacancies and start your future at Hostpoint!
