Ben, what actually sparked your interest in ICT?
Even before I decided on an apprenticeship in ICT, I was able to help my family with technical problems regularly, particularly my grandparents. I would often set something up for them on their cell phone or laptop, like an e-mail account or a printer. Once they had a persistent problem with the Internet. The provider’s support team couldn’t provide further assistance, but I was able to solve the problem by resetting the router. After that, everything started working again. That made me really happy, and it was probably the moment that really piqued my interest in ICT.
Later, I had to think about which field of study was the most appropriate for me. Just programming would be too monotonous, as it’s like vacuuming for me – it works, but it’s always the same and has to be done regularly. Luckily, there’s more variety when it comes to platform development.
I came across Hostpoint because of my dad, as he has been a Hostpoint customer for a long time and we live nearby. So everything looked good to me, and I applied.
How was the application process for you?
First of all, I went to Hostpoint for a taster apprenticeship placement to get an initial impression of the company and the job. After that, I officially applied and was invited to a selection day.
On that day, we had to solve several tasks, including a technical scenario with a network problem, and then give a small presentation. We also worked with Hostpoint employees to demonstrate how we act in a team. I thought it was a fair and interesting way to get to know each other. I was especially delighted when, shortly afterward, I received the confirmation by phone that I had been accepted!
Which qualities do you absolutely need for this apprenticeship and which ones do you learn on the job?
One important quality is definitely a willingness to learn. There are always new technologies, tools and processes that you need to be familiar with in IT, and at Hostpoint in particular. You always have to stay up-to-date. Something that you learn on the job is multitasking and how to prioritize and structure tasks. Lots of things happen at the same time and you have to do a good job keeping track of them, but that comes gradually with experience.
What do you learn at vocational school and how does it complement what you learn at Hostpoint?
Apart from the usual subjects such as math, English and general education, we have several IT modules. Of course, I find these the most fascinating. A specific example is bash scripting. We dealt with this relatively early in class and it also proved useful at work. I use it every day at Hostpoint to automate tasks and efficiently evaluate logs. It’s really motivating when I can apply something I learn at school directly in my day-to-day work.
What is your experience of working with your vocational trainer here at Hostpoint?
We usually have a meeting every week or every other week where we can discuss everything from work and school to personal matters. This helps me keep track of things and get a response to any questions directly. If something happens unexpectedly, I can also consult my vocational trainer at any time. It’s very straightforward, and I feel well supported.
Was there anything at Hostpoint that surprised you?
What pleasantly surprised me is that they offered me insights into different Hostpoint departments. That way, I can see beyond my own department and get to know Hostpoint as a whole and what it’s like to work with others. First, you receive training and then you can become actively involved and take on tasks yourself. The departments I can explore are 1st Level Support, 2nd Level Support and the Abuse Desk. I find it a huge help to better understand the company as a whole.
How was your visit to 1st Level Support?
I learned a lot, but the most important thing that stayed with me was how to deal with customers. What do Hostpoint customers want and what are their needs? Or how to deal with angry customers, although that hardly happens, of course (laughs).
During my time in Support, I had contact with customers via chat, e-mail and phone, and toward the end, I was even able to advise a customer in person in our office. I found it really fantastic when customers were satisfied at the end and thanked me because I was able to solve their problem. As a platform developer, you usually have little direct contact with the company’s Support department, meaning it was all the more exciting to see how it all works and what our colleagues do every day.
What is it like to be the youngest employee in a company of over 100 people?
The funny thing is that I don’t really feel like I’m the youngest, because I’m treated just like the older employees. A complaint I hear from other apprentices at other companies is that you are not treated as a full-fledged employee. That’s not the case here. I feel like I’ve been part of the team for a while, even though I’ve just been here a year, which is really cool.
I’m also asked for feedback and involved in team tasks wherever I can assume responsibility. In the System Operations team, I updated the internal user management system and, in the end, I was advising and looking after the customers in Support on my own. This meant I was able to make important contributions early on in different areas, which really motivates me and shows me that I am trusted.
«I feel like I’ve been part of the team for a while, even though I’ve just been here a year.»
Which digital tools do you find exciting – at school or simply in general?
In my private life, I sometimes use ChatGPT. In secondary school, we took a closer look at it for the first time. I still remember a year ago, when we were generating test AI images, none of the images were any good and AI was not yet able to provide specific answers. However, today it can explain a complete economic cycle, for example.
I find things that can be used to learn quickly and efficiently are generally good and impressive. If you use it “correctly”, I see it as an opportunity to grow further and as a very good learning option.
How do you deal with stressful days at work?
Since I spend a lot of time in the office and work on a screen all day, exercise is a good way to balance this out. I play volleyball at a club twice a week, which helps me clear my head and unwind. It’s also cool that Hostpoint pays a portion of the sports subscription as a perk. Of course, this is pretty great if you already work out regularly anyway!
What is your personal tip for anyone interested in an apprenticeship in IT?
Try out a lot of things! Not just in the IT field, because it helps to have as broad a focus as possible and try out other fields as well. When applying, you should include everything you have compiled that is relevant to your application, including taster day reports, certificates, diplomas or simply anything that shows that you are fully involved and are actively engaged with the topic.
Last question: do you have any plans for after your apprenticeship?
I have different ideas, but luckily I don’t have to decide yet. There are many paths you can take after your apprenticeship. Whether it’s starting a career, further education or something completely different. I’m not sure what’s ahead, and I’m excited to see what happens in the next few years.
Interested?
If you’re looking for an exciting and challenging Hostpoint apprenticeship, then find out about our available apprenticeship positions now and start your future at Hostpoint!
