EOC Systems Analyst Review

I am on the level 3 Systems and Networking Course. I work as a systems analyst who monitors systems for our customers. I make sure that essential systems are working correctly and pass the job to the correct team to fix any problems. I am also responsible for maintaining the security of systems by only allowing approved engineers access to the systems.

During my Apprenticeship I have been on 5 training courses which have led to me acquiring 3 Microsoft qualifications and 2 British computing society qualifications. These have covered networking and systems management as well as IT business processes and coding. This has given me a foundation to expand my IT knowledge into a number of different specialisations. I have also been given access to training materials to complete my cisco CCNA qualification which will allow me to become a qualified network engineer. Once I have completed my Apprenticeship I will also have the opportunity to apply for the degree program that will allow me to get a university degree free of charge.

I enjoy the training aspects of my program and the opportunity's that my position grants me. My work can be a bit boring at the moment but that will change as I become more qualified and experienced allowing me to take on more complex and interesting work. The team I work with are always a great help and are a good laugh which can help pass the time when I am on a long shift. The company provides good pay for an Apprenticeship and also gives a number of benefits such as health insurance and access to the company pension scheme.

At the moment I feel valued by my small team but not as much by the company as a whole. Sometimes it can feel like I am just a number due to the shear size of the company. Some of this is because I work shifts so I am not always able to see more senior members of my department face to face so I can feel a bit isolated.

The training is very well structured and I know exactly what I have to do to complete my apprenticeship. I have a meeting with my skills coach every month who keeps me on track and reviews my progress. I am given ample time for studying and revision and am assured that I will have a permanent role when I finish the apprenticeship so I have been integrated into the team as if I had just started a job.

I have a monthly meeting with my skill coach to review my progress and give me direction and can contact them at any time if I have concerns. I was given lots of support while I was on my training courses as well as information of what I can do once my apprenticeship is completed. There is also a safeguarding line I can call I am having or see any other apprentices having safeguarding issues.

I am given as much support as I need to complete my job. I have also been given some support in pursuing further training. The HR team gives regular information on company schemes and benefits so I am aware of everything I am entitled to. Due to the size of the company and the number of apprentices I can often feel like the support is general and not necessarily tailored to me but that is the nature of working at a large company. Also until I finish my apprenticeship I can't really do anything outside my scheme so it is more on my training provider to support me than the company.

The salary is good for an apprenticeship and because I work shifts I get a 25% shift bonus and can work overtime if I want to. It covers my traveling and living cost and leaves me with some money to but in my lifetime ISA to save towards a mortgage.

When I started I went on a trip to the lake district with the other new apprentices where we did outdoor activities to develop our team working and confidence. There are also occasion nights out open to all apprentices and they are currently planning a trip to Barcelona.

Yes

As a large company there is a wide range of opportunities to develop your career once you finish your apprenticeship, the pay is good and you learn a lot in a short space of time.

Don't get to stressed by the tests they make you do on the application as they are designed to put your under stress and see if you can still work relatively effectively. Be open a friendly during your interview and show an interest in what you are applying for and that will take you most of the way.