Technical Solutions Specialist Review

by IBM

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.8/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I work in a support team which manages a number of applications by our clients. This is especially helpful for me as I get to experience both the development element of IT as well as the users' needs and perspectives.

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have been given the opportunity to develop my skills in coding whilst continuing to learn new languages. I have also been attending regular external training to gain the ITIL Foundation and Intermediate qualifications.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I have a lot of support both in the choices I make for my personal and career development as well as the everyday aspect of my job. It is easy for me to ask for help, where I feel it necessary and it is very unlikely that someone will turn you away for asking questions

9/10

4. How valued do you feel by IBM?

I feel that I am being supported in every step that I take during my apprenticeship. My managers are available for me to discuss any issues I may have, with them as well as offering opportunities for me to pass on any work or achievements which can be used for a number of recognition initiatives that IBM has.

10/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The programme is well organised and structured around the apprentice. There is a lot of guidance along the way as well as many opportunities to flag up issues and correct them quickly.

8/10

6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?

There is a lot of support coming from the training providers in regards to planning my next steps as well as gaining a better understanding of the modules involved.

7/10

6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?

There is a lot of support coming from all directions in IBM. I feel that gaining support from anyone is just one call/email/chat away.

9/10

7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?

There is a lot of support for anyone who has issues with their living costs to gain appropriate support simply by talking to their managers. There are also packages available to suit everyone's needs, i.e. company cars for those who travel large distances for work.

9/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

There is a lo of opportunities for everyone to get involved in. For example just this week we had a social evening with some of our managers in order to get in a more relaxed environment and make everyone more comfortable with one another.

9/10

9. Would you recommend IBM to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

I have seen the way in which IBM conducts its business and apprentice scheme and I feel it would be a large opportunity explore for anyone interested in an IT career.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?

Be honest to yourself! Don't just apply for the IBM brand! It is easy to apply to a company for the brand and later discover that it is not what you had imagined.