Graduate Level Apprentice Review

by CGI

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

4.6/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Graduate Level Apprentice in Software developement for business. Current daily tasks include - learning through internal sites and external ones such as Lynda.com. Currently working on a project for Scottish Governement where we are expected to self learn. Working alongside other apprentices.

4/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have learned Java and other programming knowledge. I have done this internally and externally though courses at QA and university. Developed communication skills. Dont feel like i have the chance to apply this to projects within the workplace

4/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

Work - Not enjoying project as i feel i could be learning more doing something else. Team - enjoy working with the team although could be doing with some more senior developers to learn from Company culture - the culture at current company is very inclusive. I thought the programme would be a bit more uni/work related and I would be rotating on different areas of the company throughout my apprenticeship.

3/10

4. How valued do you feel by CGI?

I believe that CGI value the role of apprentices within the company and see them as vital to the future. Current team leads are very supportive when I struggle with technical aspects

4/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Induction - not very well organised or structured Training was mostly self taught, would be beneficial if taught by someone when entering a new organisation. Studying - I think more time should be allowed for uni studies, on current project we have to self learn and on top of this we have university work to keep up with. Until recently the mentor situation was not very well organised. Due to being the first intake of GLA's there is a lot of improvement needed for the structure and organisation of the the GLA role within CGI

3/10

6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?

Univeristy is on hand with any questions sometimes can take a while for course leader to get back but your question is usually answered

7/10

6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I dont thinkt the role of a GLA is understood as well as it could be. University full time is very stressful, taking on a full time course by attending one day a week needs to have other measures implimented within the work place in order to aid and support students.

3/10

7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?

From a personal level - I struggle with the wage. I understand this is an apprenticeship. For others aged between 17-23 the pay is very good. Unfortuantely being older and having financial commitments I do struggle. I think this may be a deterrent to older applicants in the same position.

5/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

Yes the company has a lot of exta activities aswell as a very good health care scheme and benefits.

8/10

9. Would you recommend CGI to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

I think the work that CGI does is beneficial and important in the tech industry and this will only grow

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to CGI?

I would seriously think about the financial implications taking on an apprenticeship when you are older. For young people I would highly recommend the Graduate Level route in any industry as you get your degree whilst working in the industry you are studying giving you experience when it comes to graduating.