zService and Build Apprentice Review

On a day to day basis I work with Antz systems, coding and programming build files for various different uses. As I have only worked at IBM for 6 months and my role is very technical it takes a while to get up to speed and be involved in the regular day to day activities like my team.

I have developed so many new skills working in my role. I had a basic knowledge of programming before I started at IBM (python mostly) but I now know so many more languages (e.g. Rexx, Cobol, ISQL, C, Java).

As it's taken a while to get up to speed (still getting there), things do get quite frustrating as understanding things is a struggle but the team are very helpful and are always on hand when I need assistance

I feel that internally by my own team and management, there is a lot of appreciation. Most recently being recognized by my EPM and being rewarded with 250 Blue points. Outside of my own team I haven't really had the chance to see how valued I am.

Due to the fact that I am the first apprentice taking on my role, there has not been a vast amount of structure in terms of the education I have been provided and the set up of my machine. But this doesn't mean there has been a huge hindrance on me as I have still had things to do, it's just quite spontaneous

I don't necessarily have one training provider, the team I work with as a whole have been providing me with a lot of tutoring as they all have knowledge in different areas and I am trying to gain knowledge in all of these areas but they are all very helpful and provide a lot of support.

From my EPM (early professionals manager) I get as much support as I personally want, we have bi-monthly meetings to discuss how I am getting on and what could be done to improve my work.

Initially it has been an issue moving down to Southampton to live alone living off the starting wage but I have learned to budget well and having met other apprentices from my induction will be moving in with them soon decreasing costs whilst the salary increases on a 6 month basis

There are some options but they aren't made clearly obvious to you when you start, it is best to ask around with the people you work with to find out. But with the other apprentices you meet there are lots of chances for social activities.

Yes

You can gain a lot of knowledge and experience that will help you later on in life. The pay is more than enough to live off comfortably given the right situation and the work is surprisingly enjoyable.

I would advice anyone applying to be patient when it comes to hearing about assessment days or job vacancies as it does take a while and it can be worrying (I waited almost 6 months from my assessment center to knowing I had a job) but in the end they will get back to you and it will be worth the wait