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Meet Shannon

Job Title

Trainee Digital Cartographer

Apprenticeship discipline

Digital Cartography

What made you choose the apprentice route?

I wasn’t ready to go to university after completing my A-Levels and I wanted more hands on learning and an apprenticeship seemed like the best choice. It allowed me to gain experience while working and learning hands on. I had been told about NIE Networks and started to research and look into their apprenticeships more. Straight away it stood out to me and I knew it was the career path I wanted to take.

How long was your apprenticeship?

My Apprenticeship lasted 2 years.

How has your career developed over time?

Throughout my apprenticeship I was able to get an appreciation for other job roles throughout NIE Networks and different career paths that can be taken. After successfully completing my apprenticeship I have now started studying towards a HNC in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (supported by NIE Networks) and this gives me a wider career path but also helps develop my knowledge for a current role.

Explain a bit about your job? What does a typical day look like?

A typical day involves digitising and updating maps on the NIE Networks' systems. I am responsible for digitising and accurately recording these drawings. This ensures that all network plans are up to date to keep employees and the general public safe, as well as helping locate faults and future planning on the network.

Best bit of your job?

The best bit of my job is the satisfaction that I’m making NIE Networks data as accurate as possible to keep employees and the public safe. I also enjoy working on projects and investigational aspect of my job.

Any advice you’d give to someone considering an apprenticeship with NIE Networks?

Like all jobs the apprenticeship does come with its challenges however if you work hard it is very rewarding. Make sure and research the role and make sure it stands out to you and you’re interested in it and an apprenticeship is the best option for you. Also research the NIE Networks website, it will give you lots of information about the industry and help with the application/interview stages.