Technical Support Analyst Review

I am part of the technical support team for one of the products we provide for all of the train operating companies across the whole of the UK. Part of my day to day work involves working with the coding language VB.Net and C#. Currently in a learning stage so the responsibility is low but will increase as my knowledge does.

This is not my first career as I have came across from a military background however I have learned completely new skills that a technical based involving computer programming.

Working at Atos has been very rewarding so far, however the program run by QA providing the training has been poorly handled at times. I should have completed 9 weeks worth of technical training by now after 3 months since I start my apprenticeship. This has finally been rectified nevertheless the delay has slowed my development.

In the short 3 months that I have been working for Atos I feel that I am part of the team here in Darlington and treat as a valuable member within the office.

Like I mentioned on the previous comment, the program in theory should have been very well structured and organized but issues with my course have been unique and frustrating.

I have been assigned a mentor to provide support throughout the year long apprenticeship, most of the time this is very helpful but at times I don't receive replies for days from emails and much of this is probably down to the fact that he has too many students to deal with. However the overall support is good.

Brilliant support from Atos Worldline here in Darlington, I have supported from the word go and once my apprenticeship is complete there is even the opportunity to study for a degree completely funded by Atos.

The salary for the level of responsibility I have is probably about right considering the national working wage, I am on £12,000 P/A for a level 3 advanced apprenticeship. However I strongly feel that this figure should rise after the first 6 month probation period as to live off this wage for a year gaining more experience doesn't add up. Any courses that I have to attend are paid for by Atos and hotel costs etc as well so this does make up for a lot of it. I would like to point out also that the wage for apprentices once they have completed the course does not go passed the living wage and there is currently no procedure in place to progress from this wage regardless of how long you have worked at Atos for which is poor.

There are regular local events that are available outside of work, with sport being at the fore front of all of this. If you're a keen sportsperson then the North East has everything for you really.

Yes

There are pros and cons for any company just as there is for Atos, after spending nearly 3 years in the Royal Navy before starting work he I can confidently say that Atos is a well run company with great backing and opportunities to learn and be successful. The only down side to working for Atos as an apprenticeship is the current wage structure for after you finish your apprenticeship, this needs to be addressed.

Be prepared to apply early for the position with Atos, some people will get lucky and get straight through to an interview but speaking from my own experience it takes time. Preparation is the key, online tests..? revise. Phone interview..? learn about Atos so on and so on.