From Apprentice to Professional: Sam's Journey of Growth and Success at Totalmobile

Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to combine professional experience with education. When considering an apprenticeship, seeing firsthand how different programs can shape your career is an invaluable resource. Join Gareth Stirling for an insightful conversation with one of Totalmobile's successful apprentices, Hussam Albaali (Sam). From navigating a corporate buyout to emerging as a skilled professional, Sam's story is a testament to how a robust apprenticeship program can have a profound effect on personal and professional development.

Q1: Why did you choose an apprenticeship at Totalmobile?

Sam: Fate! I was an apprentice at Lone Worker Solutions, which became Totalmobile’s Protect team after a corporate buyout. Luckily, Totalmobile shared our same beliefs about apprenticeships and so the transition was very seamless.

Q2: Share a standout moment or project that defined your apprenticeship experience.

Sam: Right in the middle of my apprenticeship, the first lockdown happened and almost everything was shut, suspended, or working at a highly reduced capacity. I then spent 2+ years in limbo, as my apprenticeship provider at the time was hit very hard by Covid. I genuinely was unsure if I can even complete my apprenticeship, but I kept faith in myself and Totalmobile, which absolutely ended up paying off nicely for me. I have since completed and passed my apprenticeship, moved to a full-time position, and have also been promoted from that full-time position into another team.

Q3: How did the mentorship and support structure at Totalmobile contribute to your growth?

Sam: I received an incredible level of support and encouragement from my manager, HR, recruitment, and was presented with a wide availability of opportunities post apprenticeship completion!

Q4: What skills did you gain during your apprenticeship that proved most valuable in your current role?

Sam: Working in an office (which I truly believe is an acquired skill that I did not have initially), communication (in person and digitally), presenting to audiences, public speaking, IT skills, SQL competency, project management, sales processes, etc. The learning opportunities are honestly overwhelming sometimes, and Totalmobile absolutely will support you if you choose to further your learning with access to courses and training materials.

Q5: Could you share a challenging situation you encountered and how it helped shape your problem-solving skills?

Sam: Having to learn SQL on the job during my move to 2nd line–if it wasn’t for all the fundamental skills I have learned during my apprenticeship, I would not have been able to manage learning SQL and the new product simultaneously. Thanks to the time management skills I gained, and the understanding of corporate procedures and processes I built, it was a very smooth transition.

Q6: What advice do you have for future apprentices aiming to make the most out of their apprenticeship?

Sam: Pick a place that truly resonates with you and pick an apprenticeship that will lead to an opportunity that actually excites and challenges you! That’s the beauty of apprenticeships–it is an easy gateway into a wide number of lucrative, worthwhile opportunities, but only if you put the work in and be deliberate about it.

Q7: In one sentence, describe the impact your apprenticeship at Totalmobile had on your career path.

Sam: I simply would not have a career without this apprenticeship opportunity!

Q8: Why would you recommend an apprenticeship within Totalmobile specifically?

Sam: Simply put, they care. Not just during your apprenticeship, but after. Some companies will look at apprentices as temporary, cheap labour; however, Totalmobile are invested in building up apprentices and supporting them. You don’t have to look far to see the apprenticeship success stories–my old manager, Mark Potter , was an apprentice as well. Spencer Wild , one of the top salespeople within Totalmobile, was also an apprentice, and Oliver Van Duivenvoorde , who is undisputedly one of the top performing support members of the company, was also an apprentice. Everyone who has passed their apprenticeship and stayed with us was given an opportunity to shine and do a truly fantastic job.