DevOps Engineer Apprentice Review

I am a DevOps apprentice at NatWest. Currently, I am working on a few Jira tickets, that have been assigned to me by my functional lead. Together with my functional lead, who is the senior/principal engineer here in Natwest Markets, we have weekly catch-up sessions, where we discuss my progress, any challenges and blockers. At work, the tasks are aligned with my learning programs, that are provided by my training provider QA. So far, we have covered agile way of working, DevOps methodologies, coding fundamentals. As my team is currently going to migrate from on Prem to the cloud, I expecting to learn and to be exposed to Cloud computing soon. On my day-to-day work, I cover mainly SQL queries and some code changes in C# using Visual Studio IDE.

Since I resumed my apprenticeship, I learned various new skills and knowledge. To highlight the least are coding skills, scripting languages, agile way of working, like having sprints and Jira tickets as a project/task management. As part of my apprenticeship, I also have to sit English level 2 exam, so I am working towards to it and leaned and improved my English languages skills.

I quite enjoy my apprenticeship. Especially, every time I have assigned a new task on Jira, it is challenging yet very curious to find the solution on the task. I find the process of working on new tasks though hard at times, but truly enjoying it as it leads to gaining a new practical skills and knowledge and once the task is complete/solved, it gives such a relief and satisfaction as well as investment in my knowledge and skills bank.

Very well organised. The modules relativity to my future job role and the complexity are well ordered and structured.

Very much. I am very pleased and grateful for the support I am getting from my employer. I have a functional lead, wjo we work together closely by working on the tasks. The tasks are assigned to be aligned with my learning program and are related to our teams project. So working on something real and meaningful for the team gives a sense of belonging to the team and responsibility for every action I take. I find that I learn well via practical tasks. I also have very supportive team members as well as my line manager, with who we have regular catch-ups. Overall, I am very happy with the support and help I receive at work.

the support I receive from my DLC (Digital Learning coach) from QA is very responsive and supportive. We have a regular progress review with my line manager, DLC and myself, where we discuss my progress. My DLC is very attentive to my needs, if they see my interest in particular subject, they assign a new learning and help me in any way that support my learning. I also receive very solid help and support from my Functional tutor from QA. we have regular catch-up calls and I attend group sessions to prepare myself to the qualification. I am very pleased with the support and help I receive from my training provider.

The modules are structured in a way that follows the logical hierarchy, that helps to apply in the job once the learning part is complete. and the project assignment after each module helps to enhance received knowledge via practical work.

We are provided with tons of opportunities to develop both professionally and personally at work. we have a volunteer group, that my company encourages people to take part on. We have a dedicated team, which is called Early Careers team, that have regular calls on different opportunities, social events and etc.

Yes

It is the best place to work for. The company values its employees, very diverse and supportive. I always feel safe and valued at this company. The company is interested in my personal growth and supports at any way that I need. Overall, I am very happy to be part of this company.

Don't hesitate and just apply. I am sure you would find Natwest very welcoming and you will feel valued.