Analyst at IBM Review

My current role within my IBM apprenticeship is a Finance Analyst. This involves me looking after the cost & revenue for a large account. I eventually and hopefully want to become a project manager and I believe that the skills I have acquired from carrying out this role are valued in project management as well as the other skills i will gain from my apprenticeship.

Within IBM, I have learned many skills including managing project risks and issues, managing project financials and client interaction. I attended internal project management courses. On top of this I have attended a number of mandatory training skills which have allowed me to develop my client handling skillsas well.

I am very happy with my programme and it has exceeded my expectations. I did not expect to be given this level of responsibility so soon. This has helped me develop my skills far more effectively than I anticipated. The IBM Apprenticeship scheme is well funded and provides many opportunities for self development and also future growth within the business too.

I feel valued by IBM as they have invested a lot of time and money in my development. I have also received praise from both my development manager and my task manager which has helped keep me motivated to do well. I am often asked various questions about my work and also about myself from my supervisor and co-workers which shows they take an interest in me and this also makes me feel very valued within IBM.

So far during my apprenticeship i think that the programme has been very well structured. During the first year we completed a number of mandatory training courses. After each of them I felt that I was able to take the skills I had developed into my day job as they were general business training courses. During various placements in departments i have never had a problem.

My development manager is always quick to get back to me regarding any queries I have and has always been very supportive. She has also supported my desire to obtain external industry-recognised qualifications too. We have 'development' meetings too every month for any questions and for a chat with them as well. They feedback to me any comments given by staff and supervisors.

I have not had to use IBM for support so far however I have always got the feeling that should I require it, IBM and my supervisors and managers would support me. At the start of my apprenticeship here at IBM we were given information packs about apprentice support and helplines for us to use as well so they do offer lots of support.

For an apprenticeship the IBM programme pays very well with a payrise every 6 months and a significant payrise after 3 years. Whilst working away from home on my first project all of my travel and hotel costs were covered by the company and I still live with my parents so i don't have to pay bills and costs for owning a house or flat just yet either.

IBM runs a number of events outside of work however I have not taken part in any of these so far. Apart from these events there aren't really many other events in the local area we are told about by the company. I am often invited to social events though but these are primarily just organised by staff in the business for a birthday or get-together on a weekend etc.

Yes

The programme is well paid and you will be well supported throughout. IBM will also support you in undertaking the relevant training for your development. You are also a permanent member of staff after 6 months which is no often the case in apprenticeship schemes which also leaves you with no worried about what might happen in the future and after your apprenticeship.

When applying for any apprenticeship it will take a lot of time and you will need to collate information about yourself together and also know about the company and also the ins and outs of the apprenticeship you are applying for as well. Definitely ensure the apprenticeship is right for you, take your time when applying, if you get an interview then act friendly and try to stay calm. But most importantly, enjoy the experience!