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Meet our new apprentice, Charlie

November 11, 2024 by James Smith

In this engaging interview, we sit down with one of our newest team members to discuss their journey as an apprentice at Reliance High-Tech. From hands-on experiences with enterprise security systems to collaborating with industry professionals, discover how our apprenticeship program is shaping the next generation of security technology experts.

How would you describe your first couple of months at Reliance High-Tech?

It has been great, everyone has made me feel really welcome and given me a proper introduction into both them and their roles. I have been gently eased into a variety of tasks within my role, this has helped me massively in regard to finding my feet and establishing a greater understanding of Reliance High Tech and how we service our customers.

What aspects of the security and technology industry have you found most interesting so far?

The most interesting part so far has been how much more there is to it, rather than just a CCTV camera connected to a monitor. Being able to discover more about biometrics, cloud security and analytics has been fascinating as we look into the future of technology in Security.

Can you give an example of something you’ve learned hands on?

One example would be the times I have been able to join in on parts of the business process. One of these being attending a site survey with the design team at a client site. This was a great opportunity as I learnt in first-hand the dynamics of an Enterprise level security system and just how much work goes into ensuring that it meets the needs of the client.

Have you had the opportunity to interact with any of Reliance’s clients yet? If so, how was you’re experience?

­I was able to join the head of projects, Mark Cole, on his monthly operations meeting with a one of our larger client in the financial sector in London. This was a great experience as I sat in on the meeting and we looked over upcoming projects and overall satisfaction, and I saw first hand the partnership ethos that the team at Reliance has with clients.

How would you describe the overall culture at Reliance, based on your experience so far?

Everyone at Reliance has been welcoming towards me and allowed me to settle straight into my role. There is a collaborative and fun culture where everyone is there to support one another.

What skills do you feel you’ve already started to develop in your role?

Everything within Reliance is very team based, so I would say that one of the soft skills I have developed more is knowing when to ask for assistance with a task or situation that comes up. This has been made easier knowing that my colleagues are willing to offer their services, should they be needed.

Have you set any personal goals for your apprenticeship?

Working as an apprentice in Sales, my main goal is being able to add value to prospects and customers in helping them achieve their own goals using the technology, solutions, and services that we offer through collaboration and consultation. The more I learn, the more I am able to contribute and being immersed in an organisation like Reliance, I am learning very quickly!

How has the support been from your colleagues and supervisors during this initial period?

The support I have received since joining has been amazing! Everyone has played their part in ensuring that I found my feet and have settled in well. It really helped being able to organise calls with some members of the business which allowed me to introduce myself and meet others to get a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities.

Based on your experience so far, what advice would you give to someone considering applying for an apprenticeship at Reliance?

I couldn’t recommend Reliance enough! You get great hands-on experience in your chosen department along with top drawer training provided which can really help you to develop into your role successfully.

Looking ahead, what are you most looking forward to in the next phase of your apprenticeship?

I am most looking forward to completing the training courses I am currently undertaking which will give me the required skills to develop my role in sales and the types of solutions that we are speaking to customers about. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t also looking forward to some of the Reliance ‘roadshow’ events that are being planned for next year, with them taking place at some iconic venues!