IT Apprentice Review

I work within service management, in an area called carrier management which deal with vendors who provide the company with data, voice and mobile services. I am currently helping to tidy up the inventory which includes the contracts and invoices etc to hopefully save money for the bank

Through the apprenticeship I have learnt most through external training at the apprenticeship provider. This includes technical infrastructure knowledge and cloud services. These courses have helped my day to day job and taking exams in them mean that I have also acquired certified Microsoft qualifications.

From the beginning the people I work with have been very friendly and welcoming. Although I travel far its worth it for the opportunity I have been given.

My manager has been very helpful and always made sure I am okay. Involvements with tasks were very slow and painful at times but should slowly pick up, however sometimes I don't feel needed as such.

From the apprenticeship training provider side, it is very structured in terms of going to training on certain days, theres a whole plan laid out from start to finish. However due to it being UBS's first time doing a technology apprenticeship it hasn't been organized too well, it has been a little messy.

From the training provider we have a session every 8 weeks to catch up and hand in work. I know that she is there when I need her for help and can be reached by emails, which at times may be slow but shes an approachable person who knows what shes doing.

Due to UBS doing this apprenticeship for the first time, they seem a little lost as to sometimes how to support us. My manager is keen to see me succeed and tries to help as best as he can even though he is busy. I had some problems at the start of the apprenticeship as I was not happy with the area I was in, but this eventually was sorted after the initial confusion as what to do about it.

Due to travelling far I lose half of my salary to train services so often don't get as much as I would like. Because of this I cant afford to move out currently/ move closer but due to only being an apprentice and working in London the salary is probably very generous.

Due to living far away I often can't take part in company activities after work/ social events. Opportunities are offered to mainly help the surrounding schools and take part in activities with them however apart from 1 volunteering day to clean up a play park I haven't taken part in anything else due to trying to find my feet at work first.

Yes

It is a great opportunity and experience to have at such a young age and a highly respected company to be associated with. Due to having a rough start to it in terms of my job role and lack of exposure to work, my view is slightly damaged of the company and the scheme however with polishing and changing slightly this could be a really good apprenticeship scheme.

The application process is very long along with the onboarding process with lots of documents having to be sent, which may seem OTT, is important to do in the end and it is best to sent them asap to avoid delay. The interviews with the training provider and UBS themselves are fine and very relaxed and slightly informal which is nice. My advice would be to relax and just be you and if they try to scare you and tell you need to prepare loads, you don't. Sure some pre learning isn't going to hurt regarding the company but as long as you appear confident in what you are saying you cant go wrong.