Apprentice at IBM Review

I am part of the UK first line support team, supporting the IBM Tivoli Storage Manager product (a backup and archive product). This involves daily interaction with various IBM clients, maintaining a good working relationship with these clients (via telephone or email) and assisting these clients with any issues/queries they have regarding the TSM product - whether this be errors, config queries or performance tuning suggestions

I have been provided with over 2 weeks of formal education on the TSM product itself, along with numerous other informal lessons with my colleagues regarding various aspects of the product or how it relates to other programs (VMware, Microsoft Exchange etc). I have also developed my client interaction skills through both my role and formal training providing by the apprenticeship scheme. I have also been given business education and developed previously non-existent skills on how to develop and prosper in a business environment.

I have been provided with over 2 weeks of formal education on the TSM product itself, along with numerous other informal lessons with my colleagues regarding various aspects of the product or how it relates to other programs (VMware, Microsoft Exchange etc). I have also developed my client interaction skills through both my role and formal training providing by the apprenticeship scheme. I have also been given business education and developed previously non-existent skills on how to develop and prosper in a business environment.

My job is a daily challenge, and after a year I have had the opportunity to do so many things that I wouldn't have done if I had stayed at Uni (I did just my first year) for example, being part of a panel at the University of Southampton talking about apprenticeships, meeting high-up execs within IBM and having full conversations with them, visiting schools to talk to potential candidates and going to London for two weeks of formal business training in my role.

As an IBM Apprentice, I am regularly asked to present to Executives, Clients, Universities and Schools, to mention a few. IBM is very proud of its Apprenticeship scheme and the Apprentices within it, and the awards that IBM have received compliment this. We have had little to no problems so far during my apprenticeship and I know that my supervisor and mentor can always work things out if there is a problem with any placement or work.

Overall for the most part you are left to do the work or not do the work set for you, you are encouraged to manage yourself with this site of the job and if the work is not complete it is down to yourself. I feel this is a fairly good approach which provides a little more freedom but still makes sure work is completed when required. I get the support I need from the people i work with and I know I can always ask for extra help if I need too.

I meet regularly with my Personal Development Manager who always has comments/suggestions on how I can progress on a high level in terms of moving up/around in the company (in order to experience as much as possible) and my team leader (whom I work with regularly) has always been very supportive in guiding my learning and ensuring I am recognised for good work/client interaction.

Living Costs: I am perfectly able to rent suitable accommodation on my salary. Travel Costs: All travel is covered by IBM Daily Costs: All daily costs are covered by IBM Social Costs: There aren't overally a lot of Social costs attributed to the job. Overall decent salary and my costs cover everything I need to pay for monthly. If I was to get a wage rise I would think about saving money and buying a new car or in a few more years time, a mortgage on a house in the local area perhaps.

I am currently working on a development project outside of my current role as this is something that I enjoyed at uni - and is proving a challenging and good way to learn about other skills (specifically PHP) outside my normal role - as well as the business model for developing new software. Outside of the technical realm, I have been on a number of events - either within the Apprenticeship scheme, meeting other apprentices/execs or visiting schools/Unis to talk about the apprenticeship scheme.

Yes

IBM has achieved numerous amounts of awards not just for nothing but for having an outstanding apprenticeship! You can currently apply for two different areas in the business. The technical apprenticeship and the business specialist apprenticeship. The people at IBM are really friendly and you definitely grow in confidence and within yourself the more you work here, you get the help and support you need and great skills for life too!

Overall with the interview, keep to the point and when in team activities don't be quiet as otherwise they won't pick you. When an opportunity comes up take it with both hands. Also ensure you know what sector the business works in, the customers and products/services they provide and also ensure you know what 'IBM' actually stands for! Overall try to stay calm and perhaps practice answering any questions they may put towards you before the interview.