Data centre operator Review

Data Centre Operator This requires me to work 12 hour shifts 4 days on, 4 days off. 2 of these shifts will be dayshift 2 of these will be nightshift. The dayshift and nightshift are completely different, I monitor systems for any changes raised and act upon them if necessary, I also handle the tapes within the data centre. We also deal with the payroll for the NHS, this is done through bacs. On the nightshift we must use a system called VME to run jobs that have been submitted throughout the day.

I am half way through my apprenticeship and I have already almost completed my coursework, I have also been send on a course with the outward bounds trust. On this course I learnt a lot about team building and leadership. This helped as in the data centre we are working as a team.

I am enjoying my program a lot , I have met a lot of new people from all across the UK due to my induction and training courses, fellow apprentices and co-workers make the work days a pleasure. I am also starting to get to grips with the shift work and am beginning to enjoy it. however there is the point of missing my weekends sometimes.

I feel valued by Atos as I have been given many opportunities to improve my skills and get me involved in tasks, the manager for all data centres in the uk has called me to check how my courses are going and I feel Atos are really investing in my learning.

My induction was a little late into my apprenticeship and I had already settled into the company by this time, the training is good however the assessors only visit once a month and I don't feel this gives me enough time to ask them questions therefor I end up asking my manager for advice on the subjects. Within the data centre I feel I am structured as I know what im doing at what times and if my manager needs a task done he will let me know in advance.

Support from the training provider isn't a high point however I manage to get by, only seeing my assessor once a month if that doesn't give me the support I would like. I have also been on courses with other assessors and when I email them their response time isn't too great. however I do enjoy the training.

I feel my employer supports me well, my manager always checks up on me to see how im getting on, as do the shift leaders. I have been sent on multiple courses by them and they have supported me and done a lot of the organisation for me. For example all I have to do to attend the courses is get a train to the location and take my supplies, the rest is all set up for me.

My salary does meet my costs at the moment as I am still living with my parents, however if I wasn't I would struggle. I have also gotten an increase when I started shifts. I am able to get through months comfortably at the moment. I however cannot wait for my first pay rise :)

Atos has some opportunities outside of work, you can get discounts to local leisure centres and gyms through their benefits scheme. I was the first group of apprentices that was sent to the Outwards bound trust for training and I feel that was a useful and exciting opportunity. I also get cheaper cinema tickets so that helps out a lot ;)

Yes

The starting wage for apprentices is high compared to other companies, and they also give you a lot of support throughout your apprenticeship. It gives you the opportunity to make new friends and network with people from all across the UK as well as getting the training to become a skilled IT worker.

I would say, try and be yourself however stay professional and make sure you come across confident in yourself. Atos is a friendly environment. I would also say that customer service is to be at a high standard within atos so as long as you're friendly, approachable and want to improve your skills go for it!