From Police Officer to Data Engineer Apprentice: My Career Change Journey at Virgin Media O2

I currently work as a Data Engineer Apprentice at Virgin Media O2, while completing a Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship. Before joining the business, I served as a Police Officer in London, working in immediate response, as a borough medic within youth and gangs engagement.

During my time in policing, I saw first-hand how powerful data can be. Information wasn’t just numbers on a screen. When interpreted and used effectively, it helped people make informed, data-driven decisions that could have a genuine impact on communities and people’s lives. That experience sparked my interest in data and analytics and ultimately inspired me to pursue a career in technology.

Why I Changed Careers from Policing to Tech

Moving from frontline policing into the technology sector wasn't an obvious career path, but many of the transferable skills I developed as a Police Officer continue to support me in my role today.

Policing taught me how to solve complex problems, communicate with a wide range of people, stay calm under pressure and make decisions based on evidence. Those experiences gave me a strong foundation to build upon as I transitioned into a career in data engineering.

What attracted me to data engineering was the opportunity to use data and analytics to solve real business challenges, identify trends and help teams make informed decisions. Data engineering gave me the chance to be part of that process while continuing to learn and develop new technical skills.

Discovering a Virgin Media O2 Apprenticeship Opportunity

I first learned about the apprenticeship programme at Virgin Media O2 through my cousin, who works as a Field Engineer.

Hearing about the company directly from someone already working here made the opportunity feel real and accessible in a way I hadn't experienced before. He'd mentioned that Virgin Media O2 was a company that valued diversity, different cultures and inclusion. He was attracted to the Field Engineer role because it provided an accessible route into the business without requiring a university degree. I began researching the Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship and was excited by the chance to earn, learn and gain practical experience in a technology career at the same time.

Taking the leap into a completely different industry was a big decision, but it was one that has helped shape both my personal and professional development.

The Power of Mentorship and Support

The journey hasn't always been straightforward. At one point, I stepped away from the apprenticeship programme following a personal loss. Fortunately, I was provided bereavement leave through work. Returning took resilience, patience and confidence, and I couldn't have done it without the support of the people around me.

One of the most valuable aspects of my experience at Virgin Media O2 has been mentorship. Being part of our employee network Enrich, which champions people from global majority backgrounds, provided me with several opportunities. Through hosting podcasts, attending networking events and connecting with people who shared similar values around diversity and inclusion, I was able to grow both personally and professionally. This was especially true of the mentor I met through the Enrich network.

Through this mentorship, I gained insights, experiences and opportunities that I wouldn’t typically have encountered in my day-to-day role. These included attending meetings with senior leaders, learning how to communicate with people at different levels of the business, and leading and collaborating on projects that contributed to my business area. I also participated in regular development conversations focused on honest feedback, personal growth and career planning.

Having someone invest time in my development encouraged me to raise my aspirations, engage with senior leaders and strengthen my communication and networking skills. Most importantly, it helped me gain clarity about how I can develop my career at Virgin Media O2.

Being part of Enrich and other employee networks has helped me build a network across the business and connect with colleagues whose experiences and perspectives broadened my understanding of different career paths and opportunities.

What Being a Data Engineer Apprentice Has Taught Me

My apprenticeship has provided much more than technical knowledge. Alongside developing skills in data, analytics and technology, I've learned the importance of building relationships, seeking feedback and staying open to new opportunities. I've had the chance to work alongside experienced colleagues, contribute to meaningful projects and gain insight into how a large telecommunications business uses data to support decision-making.

Why It Matters

Virgin Media O2's values of Brave, Real and Together reflect my experience throughout this journey.

Being brave meant leaving behind a career I knew and stepping into an entirely new industry. Being real meant showing up authentically, including during the more challenging moments, rather than pretending everything was fine. And being together meant having colleagues, mentors and leaders who invested their time, support and encouragement to help me succeed.

Those experiences have shown me the value of working in an environment where people are supported to grow, develop and be themselves.

Looking Ahead

Looking back, moving from policing to a Data Engineer Apprenticeship has been one of the most rewarding decisions I've made.

My journey demonstrates that career changes into technology are possible, even if your background isn't in tech. With the right support, a willingness to learn and access to development opportunities, it's possible to build a completely new career path.

For anyone considering an apprenticeship, I'd say it's a fantastic way to gain practical experience while continuing to learn. It's a pathway that allows you to develop professionally while building confidence and discovering what you're capable of achieving. You never know where that first step might take you.