Financial Services Technology Apprentice Review

I am a technology apprentice, so my role tends to revolve around writing and developing useable code for business use. On a day to day basis I tend to get into the office, check my emails, then begin working on the current project my team and I are working with.

I started work at Fidelity with essentially no knowledge of code and how to write them. My knowledge of computers was also next to none. Now only a few months in I am writing useable code that’s being utilised by customers all over the country which is impressive coming from zero technical knowledge of code.

I really enjoy my job and the program in question. It gives me a great sense of fulfilment in completing tasks. Also coming straight from school I love that I am straight into a work environment and am able to gather all this great experience and some great friends along the way

I feel really valued as an apprentice here. They ensure that I have enough work to do that is at my level and that I am not overworked or stressed. They constantly push both my knowledge in coding and of what the business is currently working on or moving towards

The structure of the program is based around how I want to learn as an individual. I do courses and internal training days with the company but for the rest of the time spent at work I can pick and choose when training / learning fits in with me in order to achieve the best result

My training provider is really good and the courses they have sent me on thus far are really informative and have given me a great base of knowledge in which to grow in this organisation. However often liaising with them can be difficult and instructions from them are often unclear.

The support from my employer is second to none, there is always help if I feel I need it and its always close at hand. If I ever need anything I feel comfortable in asking from my immediate team or even others outside my team in the company, everyone here is willing to help out

The wage I have is really competitive and is perfect for my small amount of outgoings at the moment. Living at home and eating in the subsidised canteen at work allows the money I do get paid to go a long way as I don’t have bills and massive rent to pay

Outside of work there are many events held in order to achieve a happy work to social life balance including a few parties held around Christmas which are all free events for employees to let their hair down and have a good time. As well as this there are fitness clubs that run at lunchtimes.

Yes

I would recommend Fidelity to a friend as the experience I have had so far has been excellent and they really do care about their employees. The amount of knowledge I have gained over the apprenticeship is huge and being paid at the same time sweetens the deal by a long way.

I would say to someone applying to Fidelity to ensure they have done lots of research into the financial sector especially around investing and what it is the Fidelity actually sells to their customers. Get a feel for how the company operates from the various websites and how they market their products in order to show off your knowledge during the interview process