Applications Specialist Review

Application Management: Support and maintenance of applications. Including adding new features and repairing/updating software.

Yes, I came in with no experience, and have learnt multiple coding languages as well as best working practices.

I an enjoy the team of people I work with and the work that I do. Not a huge fan of a lot of the very corporate feeling procedures, as well as at the beginning the programme not having a lot to do

Often praised by customers and other team members, there are also financial rewards when a particular project has been done to a high standard. I feel I am included in most things my clearance allows so I feel like I am and actual employee and not just an apprentice.

Training was done differently for this years intake and was all held at the very start of the programme and made it feel a little rushed and that I didn't take in all of the knowledge that I could have. Also there is more involvement with QA then I thought there would be, which isn't necessarily bad. There was an Outward Bound course provided by Atos, which was a week in the Lake District, good time to meet the other apprentices from around the country and make friends with some. So that was a good experience, which was more about developing personal skills rather then technical skills.

As much or as little as I would ask for. But also I have a meeting every 6 weeks with a skills coach where we discuss my work and see how I am getting on.

My manager is always offering to help with anything I need. Team members are also always happy to show me things I am unsure about.

I believe this apprenticeship pays a little better the most others at this level and for my costs it is fine.

For GIA's there is has been a lot of social events, usually based in London though so I haven't attended any.

Yes

It's a good company to work for that provide a lot of benefits. Everyone in my office have worked here for a very long time, so they must see value in it. Also depending on the work you are doing and your interest in IT, Atos have a lot of very high valued customers so you get to what happens behind the scenes.

The application process, although it had a lot of waiting time, was very simple. I did my application, but the job I had applied for was no longer needed, so I was offered a chance at another role. I did a phone interview, which I was told would take 30 mins to an hour, but only took 15 mins. I then had an in person interview, with my now line manager. I didn't have any relevant skills, other then good computer knowledge, so I think they are looking more at your personal skills rather then just how well you can code. Some other apprentices had to go to an assessment center, but I have been told that it was nothing too stressful. At first when I found out about the over 8 weeks I would have to spend away from home doing training, I was a bit annoyed and nervous. But once I got there and made some friends I had a really good time. And the Outward bound trip was also a lot of fun.