Infrastructure Specialist Review

I am an Infrastructure Specialist working on RSA. I provide BAU support to our 3rd party clients on a day-to-day basis. The team I work in consists of only four people and we are in charge of secure file transfers between RSA and the 3rd party clients. I communicate within the team, with wider IBM contacts and with external clients. Primarily, I am responsible for updating coding - using Perl Script.

So far in my time with the company, I have completed a multitude of courses. I have attended an external course called 'Programming Fundamentals' which was run by QA. This course was designed to develop programming skills. Personally, my confidence has grown significantly since joining the scheme and I now feel fully confident in communicating with 3rd party clients.

I enjoy working for IBM within the Apprenticeship scheme. My team are very helpful and provide support when required. It fully meets and exceeds my expectations! There are many opportunities for training and to develop skills, which is very useful.

Feedback is given frequently within IBM and all feedback I have received so far has been of a very high standard! I have been given a few high importance tasks to complete which have a strict deadline.

The induction for apprentices is a 2 week long course in which training is given on IBM as a whole and on some technical fundamentals. This is important to learn about before joining a worldwide company. Training is available (and encouraged) for all job roles. Having frequent meetings with managers is important if there are any issues as this will help to resolve any problems. I believe I am given the same work load as all members of my team which encourages me to complete all work to a very high standard. The programme is very well organised and training is given at appropriate times. All members of Foundation can meet together at different times throughout the year which enables us to build eminence and expand our social network.

I am given sufficient support from my training provider and it is available when required. Support is given willingly and they are happy to do so.

My manager is very supportive and if I have an issue, they do their best to help resolve this. I do not have much contact with my current mentor, however I am looking to find a mentor within my current workplace. If support is required then it will be given as soon as possible. My manager is happy to help me and always finds the time to assist.

The salary meets my outgoings well and allows me to save. I live at home and drive around 70 miles a day to work (round trip). At the end of each month, I have enough left to allow me to save for future unexpected outgoings or for a house.

Yes there are many opportunites outside of work. We are able to become a STEM ambassador and attend local schools.

Yes

IBM is a great company to be a part of as there are many opportunites to move about and travel to other locations for training or events. Within Foundation, employees are well looked after by other colleagues and given support when required.

IBM want innovative individuals who are highly motivated and they pick these individuals out through an intense application process. Applicants must attend an assessment centre in which they will have a few interviews with different managers, ie Business and Personal. If applicants pass this stage, they may be required to attend another interview in order to determine location. When applying, be prepared to travel as this will be required of an apprentice from time to time. There are many opportunities to change job role, move location and attend events within Foundation.