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Apprenticeship Q&A with James Oglesby
Published:
February 2025
In this Q&A, James shares his career journey with Synectics from apprenticeship to Senior Systems Engineer.
Main image [L-R]: James Oglesby, Adrian McClenaghan, Ross Chapman, and David Aindow at Intersec 2025, Dubai
What apprenticeship did you complete and when?
Completed Level 3 & 4 IT Pro, finalising in June 2014, before moving into product development as a junior engineer cycling between pre-sales, product development, and global support (now development support).
What were the main skills that you developed during your apprenticeship?
I developed a wide range of skills related to computers, basic networking, and IT administration. This included troubleshooting technical issues and understanding networks and how they’re configured. Beyond technical skills, I developed soft skills, such as working in teams, alone, and under pressure!
"From day one, you’re able to get into the workplace and gain real-world experience – there’s nothing better!"
How do you utilise those skills in your career today?
Those skills I developed during my apprenticeship were vital to my current role as a Senior Systems Engineer. On a day-to-day basis those skills are called up on when installing Synectics’ software and hardware and understanding the world of IT. Additionally, those soft skills have further developed for me to mentor others, especially newer team members.
How has your career developed? What is your role now?
My career has taken a wide and varied path since I completed my apprenticeship! My current role is Senior Systems Engineer, however, I started out as a Pre-Sales Apprentice, and then junior engineer working in the product development team. After leaving the development team in 2017, I became a Systems Engineer where I discovered my love for travel and meeting new people!
What is the coolest thing about your job? What has been the highlight of your career to date?
The coolest part of my job is being at the forefront of tech – I get to play with new things all the time and am fully supported to learning new technologies – such as artificial intelligence, which is taking the surveillance world by storm!
"The highlight of my career thus far is working in Southeast Asia for several years, working on some of Synectics’ biggest and most prestigious projects."
What would you say to someone who is thinking about completing an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a great way to get your foot in the door whilst earning some cash! Whilst education is important, being an apprentice has enabled me to explore career paths going through traditional education routes may not have. From day one, you’re able to get into the workplace and gain real-world experience – there’s nothing better!
Being an apprentice is just the beginning, especially in IT – you can really make your career fun and rewarding. IT has many career pathways, from IT Admin, cybersecurity and more! They provide a perfect platform to discover what you’re passionate about, and give you the tools to make it happen!