Celebrating Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week at Lava

This Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week, we at Lava Group are proud to celebrate our commitment to hands-on learning and continuous development. Our apprenticeship programme attracts and recruits candidates from diverse disciplines and backgrounds, offering them the opportunity to earn while gaining in-depth knowledge of their specific area within the company. We’re delighted to spotlight the journey of Jacob, an apprentice in our Software Development team, who embodies our belief that the best way to learn is by doing.

Meet Jacob

Jacob is pursuing a BSc Hons in Computing Systems at Ulster University in Belfast. With a keen interest in IT, Jacob saw apprenticeships as a rising trend in the tech industry. “I didn’t want to sit in a classroom full-time, but I also knew I needed to continue my studies to land a high-level IT job,” he explains. An apprenticeship route offered the perfect balance.

A day in the life

Jacob spends one intensive day per week at university, while the rest of the week is spent at the office. Each day begins with a stand-up meeting where he shares his plans and learns from the team’s updates. “It’s a great way to stay connected and hear from the wider team,” Jacob says. Since starting, he’s been tackling training tasks that complement his university modules, making his academic work more relevant and manageable.

Proud achievements

Jacob is currently developing a web app, which has received positive feedback from the team. “Hearing ‘well done’ from my colleagues felt great,” he says. He’s applying what he’s learned from training tasks as he works with fellow apprentice Matthew to test inputs and outputs on circuit boards. 

What he loves most

Jacob appreciates the freedom to manage his tasks and the supportive, non-judgmental environment at Lava. “No one’s looking over your shoulder, but help is always there when you need it. At Lava, every question is encouraged; there’s no such thing as a stupid question,” he says.

Key lessons

Learning to use VS Code has been a significant milestone for Jacob.  It has helped with his programming practices, enhanced his problem-solving skills and increased his efficiency as he begins coding projects. “It was daunting at first, but with the support of my mentors, Diarmuid and Gareth and resources like YouTube tutorials and various training videos, I’ve gained confidence quickly,” he shares.

Advice to future apprentices

Jacob stresses that a strong work ethic and self-motivation are crucial for apprentices. He advises future apprentices to actively pursue their learning and remain focused to the tasks given. “You must drive your own progress and show initiative,” he explains. “Success in an apprenticeship requires commitment and eagerness. If you’re not fully invested in your own development, reaching your goals will be challenging.”

Fun Fact

Outside of coding, Jacob is actively involved with Exodus, a Christian organisation that works with young people.  This summer he will be taking part in a youth camp in Scotland as a leader. He also enjoys playing football and rugby.

At Lava Group, our apprenticeships are more than just a training programme; they’re an ideal platform for empowering apprentices to excel in their careers and beyond.

This National Apprenticeship Week, we celebrate all apprentices who are shaping the future with their passion and dedication. Keep up to date about the latest career opportunities at Lava.