Technology Apprentice Review

I am a technology apprentice working in the BAS (Business Application Support) for the Asset Management division. So far, my roles revolve around Problem Management(identification and implementation of solutions to prevent reoccurences), alert reduction (reducing unnecessary alerts produced by batch alert data - my most significant role on a day to day) and BCM (Business Continuity Management - ensuring the applications and services have viable recovery solutions in the event of a major incident). Although my departments' UK division consists of 7 people, we are constantly interacting with our counterparts from all over the world in order to collaboratively achieve our goals; this is mostly done through the prominent use of Skype calls and emails.

. Going in as an apprentice with very little to no technology experience besides what was self taught, I have been thrust into an environment where everything is new knowledge. The qualifications we have received so far have included an MTA in Networking Fundamentals and MTA Mobile & Device Fundamentals, as well as extensive training in Excel, Word and PowerPoint. Despite our rigorous formal training, I think my most significant training has been through observing and learning in the company; not only have I developed a deeper understanding of the various technologies out there to our disposal, but working for a bank means I'm also learning a lot about the financial industry and some of the processes integrated into it.

In terms of my level of enjoyment, I can say honestly say I do love working for UBS as a firm. One of my main fears about doing an apprenticeship was that my rank correlate to the way we would be treated and therefore there wouldn't be much of a challenge. However, from my first day I was treated like a part of the team - I have been given real responsibilities and made to feel like a valued employee. However, one thing I would say is that sometimes you do have to push to make sure you get the most out of your experiences; this can mean keeping on top of your line manager at times. In terms of the company culture, the atmosphere is pretty relaxed, you get the vibe that people take pride in the work and work hard but that doesn't mean aren't always ready to help you and make sure you're doing alright. However, I do feel as though it is dependent on your team and their level of socialness - different apprentices have had different experiences. As for my expectations, I do feel as though it has mostly met them. In terms of professional development, I really do appreciate how much they care about our satisfaction - they openly promote internal mobility, so if you feel as though you'd be better suited to a different role, they are more than accommodating. So far I am relatively content; definitely looking forward to the next stage.

As mentioned before, I do feel relatively valued. I am thanked regularly for the work I do by line manager in our 1-to-1 meetings. Senior manager book in time to find out about our experiences so far, rooms for improvement e.t.c - due to one of these I did receive a hand written thank you letter from a senior manager thanking me for my contribution to a project I was on. In terms of external recognition, there is room for improvement.

In terms of this topic, there is definitely room for improvement. Understandably, as this was their first year running the apprenticeships (except wealth management), its definitely been a learning experience on both sides. In the induction, we learnt about the organizations structure and received a general background on the company, as well as some bonding exercises. In terms of the training structure, right after the 1 week inductions, the tech apprentices had a 2 week training for our first MTA in Networking Fundamentals - as much as it was a good bonding opportunity amongst us apprentices, it felt extremely rushed. With studying opportunities, each group has a different structure, which is suppose to be reflective of the amount of training done but it sometimes a[[ears unfair. For example, the tech apprentices get a half day once a week for onsite study, whilst the wealth apprentices get one day a week at home. As mentioned before, everybody is ready to help, but dependent on your team and line manager, you will have to be vocal about being challenged. Due to the fact that the bank is obviously operating in real time, managers can end up busy and because you aren't as knowledgeable, it can sometimes be difficult for them to delegate when you don't get have the foundational understanding of certain processes.

.Our training provider comes in for 1-to-1 meetings roughly every 6-7 weeks, in order to see how we're progressing and ensure our learning is the right track. We're able to email with any issues or text her. The training providing company is pretty good to be honest; they're even willing to help you personally - for example, financial difficulties, living arrangements - they have a team you are able to contact if necessary.

I feel like I receive a good level of support. We are all allocated a line manager then a 'Buddy'. The system works well because you're able to consult with your Buddy about any concerns you have, and discuss your development with your Line Manager. Furthermore, there are discussions to add a senior management team mentor, which sounds great if it come through.

This is another point of contention. In comparison to other financial firm apprenticeship wages, we received considerably less. However, they have increased our wages and the future apprentices will be getting higher starting salaries than we did. As the office is located in central London, travel costs and rent can be quite expensive and the wage didn't seem to reflect the issues.

For one, there are quite a few Networks, such as a BAME, All Bar None (a womems advancement committee), Pride network (LGBT society) e.t.c. Also, they give you a minimum of 2 volunteer days a year, so you can get involved in the volunteering opportunities in they have on offer or have extra time to do your own. In terms of socializing, this also may be dependent on your team. Generally speaking, everybody's is quite friendly but there aren't many structured after work socializing events unless you self-organize. As apprentices, we all mostly get on, so Friday night work drinks became a fixture amongst us.

Yes

The opportunity is incomparable - the one thing you can't knock them for is the fact that they care and they try. A lot of the people invest their own time into your progression. The general cold perception of cold hearted banking doesn't seem to apply here. Im overall happy here and the opportunity is what you make of it.

Of course, research. You should focus on being able to display your passion for your chosen sector; I don't have much experience in tech but they could see I had a strong interest to learn about it - however don't understand the importance of experience, so any experience can only make your application stronger. There is a big focus here on collaboration, integrity and challenge; integrating these into your interviews and assessment days answers will be beneficial.