RTS Specialist Review

Job Title - Technical Solutions (RTS Specialist) Primarily, my role entails support of Rational Software. This involves recieving tickets from customers & resolving a wide variety of issues. These issues can be solved by email & other communications with the customer, or physically resolved by myself. Daily I come in contact with customers via email or face to face internally with fellow IBMers who require support. Within my team I am assigned to numerous little projects, some of which are managed by myself. These can include anything from marketing to improving service.

There are a near infinite ways you can develop new skills at IBM. I have received personal tuition from other members of my team & face to face tuition from external parties & other IBMers. You develop a set of skills such as presentation, branding etc & role specific skills from your job, but are not limited to this. Over the duration of your qualification there are multiple courses and online classes to be attended. Some compulsory, others optional. You can improve as much as you are willing to here at IBM. You are also not limited to just tech skills, I have seen language classes being offered. Countless opportunities.

100% There is always work to be done, I rarely find myself looking for work, on the occasions I have, there is always something to do, for example an online class. A giveback project, general projects.etc I was very welcomed by my team but also other members of IBM staff. So far i've overally enjoyed my experience and would highly rate this apprenticeship.

I don't feel like I am an apprentice, I feel that I am valued and treated like every other member of the team & given equal responsibility and involvement in tasks. Although, only if you are comfortable to do so, you are not expected to have supercomputer intelligence from day one. IBM are very willing to help you become the best you can be.

Brilliant 2 week induction course to welcome you to IBM & get everyone up to scratch with being in a professional environment. A structured training plan is given to you, in which you can complete when it suits you & your role. Support is always there when needed, everyone is assigned a PDM. (Personal Development manager) to guide you along & provide mentoring.

I have access to a wide variety of resources, online tuition, face to face tuitions. Should I have any issues or queries, there is always someone to ask & guide me through my problems. I have been enjoying my training, especially as alot of it is at your own pace, when you want to complete it. This means training can fit in with you.

There is always someone to help you. You receive a PDM (Personal Development manager) who keeps you on track and monitors your progress and development. My manager is always there to provide advice and answer any questions should I need her & arranges meetings to discuss my progress. Upon joining I was given an "apprentice buddy" someone who is further through the programme to provide advice and help on joining the program. Everyone will help you, all you have to do is ask.

Great apprentice salary. Travel expenses can be covered, and support can be given to those whose job role requires it. My location is local to where I live, with a maximium of an 1 hour commute should I visit my second site. In the future I hope to gain a bit more money if i hopefully get chosen to have a full time contract at IBM and then i can think about perhaps moving closer to the site.

There are several opportunities to give back every day. This can involve going in to schools, training, supporting enrolment. There are many clubs you can join, sports, activities, opinions, the lot. There are occasional get-togethers with apprentices or members of staff but overall not a great amount from the company directly.

Yes

It's a brilliant company to work for & a great place to improve. Great salary. Millions of oppertunities. I would highly reccomend the company to anyone who is thinking of taking on or applying for an apprenticeship as the work and salary you get is really good and interesting and you meet some great people who help you along the way too.

Be yourself, don't worry, be honest. Research the company. Ask questions, no one will bite your head off. Ensure you know about the company and can confidently talk about yourself and answer any questions the interviewer may put to you as well. Also just ensure you look smart and act fairly confident and express why you'd really want to be part of the company.