At just 18 years old, Enzo joined Digital Novva Partners for his apprenticeship in IT, straight after leaving high school. His first experience in the professional world gave him the opportunity to discover the realities of working as a Junior Support Analyst, develop new skills and contribute to hands-on IT products.
In this interview, he looks back on this early days, the lessons he has learned from this first professional experience, and the advice he would give to the young apprentice he was when he first joined the company.
Taking your first steps in an IT apprenticeship
Starting an IT apprenticeship straight after leaving school is a major change. The pace is different, responsibilities increase, and everyday life is nothing like being a student.
This was the context in which Enzo jointed Digital Novva Partners. It marked the beginning of his very first experience in the professional world.
“Honestly, starting my professional career was a real change of pace. Overnight, my school life came to an end.”
Like many young people entering the workplace for the first time, Enzo explains that he needed time to adapt. He admits that he initially still had the mindset of a school student before gradually becoming aware of the responsibilities and expectations that came with his role.
Over the following weeks, this first experience enabled him to find his place within the team, become more independent, and approach his job with greater maturity.
Today, he sees this transition as a defining stage in his journey. It allowed him to gradually move from being a school leaver to becoming a Junior Support Analyst, while building the foundations of his professional development.
The first years shaped by continuous learning and development
Beyond discovering the professional world, Enzo’s first year as an apprentice was above all an opportunity to develop new skills. Thanks to the support of his colleagues and a wide variety of assignments, he progressed both personally and technically, while gradually discovering the realities of IT careers.
Developing essential soft skills every day
For Enzo, his first year was about much more than simply learning a job. It also allowed him to develop the skills needed to thrive in a professional environment.
“What stands out the most is how well I was supported during my first year. It helped me stay on the right track and develop the soft skills I was missing, such as time management, communication, and autonomy.”
These soft skills play a key role in the day-to-day work of any IT professional. Communicating effectively with colleagues, managing priorities, and working autonomously are just as important as mastering technical tools.
Building technical skills through hands-on experience
In addition to these personal skills, Enzo also strengthened his technical expertise by working alongside experienced colleagues and contributing to real projects.
He became familiar with the Microsoft 365 environment through tools such as Intuse and Entra ID, while expanding this knowledge of systems, networks, and technical English.
For him, this journey perfectly reflects one of the key values promoted at Digital Novva Partners: continuous skills development. montée en compétences.
“Just like in any video game, you start at level 1 and, by persevering, you eventually reach level 100.”
A comparison that perfectly sums up his vision of learning: progressing step by step through practical experience gained in the field.
Discovering IT careers through real-life projects
Enzo’s development was also driven by the projects he was entrusted with from the very beginning of his apprenticeship.
Among the experiences that left the greatest impression on him were several assignments in the retail sector, particularly during store refurbishment projects. These assignments helped him understand the essential role played by IT teams in ensuring business continuity.
“For example, I worked on the IT side of retail store refurbishment projects. When the store closed, I dismantled all the IT equipment, and when it reopened, I reinstalled everything.”
Beyond the technical aspect, these projects showed him the direct impact his work has on clients.
“Seeing a client happy with their newly refurbished store and a perfectly organised server rack is something I’m really proud of.”
For Enzo, this sense of achievement remains one of the most rewarding aspects of his journey and highlights the importance of combining technical expertise, customer service, and teamwork in IT careers.
Much more than a first professional experience
As he approaches his twentieth birthday, Enzo looks back positively on everything he has achieved since joining Digital Novva Partners. Beyond the technical skills he has gained, this first professional experience has enabled him to:
- Build self-confidence;
- Take on greater responsibility;
- Better understand the expectations of the professional world.
Looking back, one pice of advice immediately comes to mind when he thinks about the 18-year-old version of himself on his very first day:
“I’d tell myself to be grateful for having the right people around me. Despite the ups and downs, stay grounded and never stop learning.”
Conclusion
Starting an IT apprenticeship can seem like a daunting challenge. Enzo’s journey shows that, with the right support, hands-on projects, and a willingness to learn, a first professional experience can become a real catalyst for growth. Progress is built day by day, through collaboration with colleagues, clients, and real-world projects.
Q&A
How does an IT apprenticeship help you develop your skills more quickly?
An IT apprenticeship combines academic learning with practical experience in a professional environment.
By taking part in real-life projects, apprentices develop both technical and interpersonal skills, such as autonomy, communication, and time management. They also gain valuable hands-on experience and gradually take on greater responsibilities.
What does a Junior Support Analyst do?
A Junior Support Analyst helps users and colleagues resolve day-to-day IT issues. Depending on the assignments, they may work on systems, networks, workstations or Microsoft 365 environments.
Why choose an apprenticeship at Digital Novva Partners?
At Digital Novva Partners, apprentices quicjly become part of the team and contribute to realy projects alongside experienced professionals. This support enables them to develop their skills in a stimulating environment while discovering IT careers through practical experience. The aim is to encourage continuous development through varied assignments and ongoing guidance throughout the apprenticeship.