Technology Apprentice Review

I am a technology apprentice. My daily tasks are extremely varied - I could be setting someone up with access to applications, writing my own Excel VBA code for a report, taking meeting notes, putting a new code into the live dealing program to creating testing plans and testing a functionality. Every day brings something new! I speak to a wide variety of people - my team, other people in IT in the company, other apprentices, other areas etc.. I speak to an offshore team in India every day and I have even spoken to an external customer in Vietnam. My responsibilities is to maintain the technology utilised across my team / Prudential Capital. Our main project is implementing a new dealing platform from scratch. My job is so varied and I cannot list the amount of different things I do as every day is different!

I have learnt a lot of new skills and developed many existing ones! I cannot believe how much I learnt in such a short amount of time! I can now code in Excel VBA, I have learnt C#, how to use Control-M, SQL Server, Lotus Notes, Heathview and many many more other applications. I have learnt how trading is done and have been to mant internal training courses. My confidence has grown massively and I am able to do things I have never done before. My IT skills have transformed. I am still growing and everyday I learn something new.

I absolutely love my programme, job and team! I honestly could not of hoped for a better place to work! M&G are very conscientious and make sure you are always happy with everything and give you all the help you need. The whole programme and company exceeded my expectations! I enjoy every day I am at work as the people are very kind and easy-going and a pleasure to be with. The programme is very engaging and enjoyable! I learnt so much and the amount of opportunities we are given is unbelievable. I don't believe there is a better apprenticeship program as good as this out there.

My manager makes me feel extremely valued and I get a lot of recognition for the work I do. It is heart-warming to hear how valued you are in the team! It means a lot to hear people say how much of a help you have been and I have always feel needed and appreciated.

Extremely well organised and structured. I was given my induction on the first day. I get support from my manager daily, from HR monthly and I have a mentor who sits opposite me who I can speak to when ever I want. My training consists of 6 courses (where I go away on the course and then have the exam at the end). I get to chose which days I go on these courses. This is very flexible and useful as I can go whenever is convenient and when I feel ready.

I speak with my training provider every 2 months and have a catch up on my progress. If I have any questions or queries I can easily contact him. He has always been very helpful. He always gives me feedback and helps provide all the information I need. He is very supportive too. When on the actual courses, I have found the tutors very well informed and happy to help if you ever need it. They give great tips and help in order to pass the exams and make the experience pleasurable.

A massive amount! My manager is phenomenal and I could not ask for anyone better. The whole of my team are extremely caring and are always making sure I am OK and asking if I need any help. I could not ask for any more!

The salary is very very good. I keep up all of my club fees, go out regularly for meals and gatherings, pay for the train, petrol, car insurance and I am still able to save money for a holiday abroad. I have never found any issues with the salary and it makes my lifestyle very sustainable.

So many! M&G is part of Investment2020 and so I get to meet other apprentices from many different investment Management companies. I have met lots of other young adults and been on treasure hunts, trainee programmes, lunches, pub networking gatherings etc.. I have also been to internal Zumba dance classes and met other people in the company and had lots of fun doing this after work! I regularly go out with the apprentices at lunch, either to a restaurant or the pub where we play pool. I am also going to start spin classes down the road in my lunch hour with some of my apprentice friends. After work I go to my swimming club and go training as well as compete in different competitions. I am able to still do all my hobbies that I did before work, and more!

Yes

I absolutely love it here. I couldn't be happier as I enjoy my job and everyone I work with. The salary and hours means I can still continue my passion for swimming and I have started my career while others are still in education at Uni. The experience and opportunities M&G offer is invaluable and being an apprentice here is a fantastic position to be in.

Make sure you know what M&G investments do and some history on them. Prepare for the interview by writing out the common questions you get asked and write down your answers. Analyse the job spec and see what experiences you have for the qualities they need. Be yourself and don't be nervous!