CIB Technology Apprentice Review

I am an apprentice in an Application Support team in JP Morgan. I don't have set daily responsibilities, instead I am able to work on a variety of project that my team (and others across the floor) have a vested interest in. Through this I am able to interact with a wide variety of people across the organization across all aspects of the internal hierarchy. A lot of the work I do is around automation of existing processes - which adds real value to the organization and increases my value within the firm massively.

I have gone from not being able to write any code to having a good enough knowledge of (the coding language) python that I can use it to interact with internal / external databases and manipulate data. This was achieved by undertaking training on JP Morgan endorsed online courses as well as being able to talk with Python subject matter experts whenever I needed. As well as this my interpersonal skills have developed 10 fold because of the exposure I get to a wide variety of people across the globe.

Having already worked in another large financial institution and not enjoying it, I was initially apprehensive before joining JP Morgan. However, the company culture of putting the employee first (no matter their experience / grade) is the main factor of me really enjoying my time here so far. My work team are friendly and welcomed me from day 1 and took an active interest in what I was doing / how I was which was especially useful as I had relocated for this role. In work, I was surprised to the extent at which my opinion was valued and they gave me the confidence to be able to challenge ideas / suggest improvements on the processes within the company. All of this exceeded my expectations massively.

Extremely. Inside of work my opinion and contribution is valued greatly. I am encouraged to offer my opinion on the way things are done and suggest any improvements - even if it's the way something has been done for several years. Outside of work I have been given a huge range of benefits including private healthcare, which shows the firms intentions with regards to employee care. It really does span beyond just the office.

The program has defined stages across the 4 years and the study side is well organized with regular pieces of coursework to be submitted every 3/4 months. Despite this I still have the flexibility within the office to work with different teams and technologies, giving me a rounded experience.

Tutors are accessible through weekly lectures and through email. The training provider (BPP) could improve their organization with regards to the consistency of answers when being questioned of specifics about a given assessment but in general the support is good.

My manager goes above and beyond to support me during my studies through regular catch ups, help with the content and putting me in touch with subject matter experts where appropriate. As well as this the HR team are readily available and I don't feel as though I cant contact them at any time with an issue. In general, there is a massive support culture at JP Morgan whereby any given person will do their best to help or utilize their network and suggest someone that can help.

The salary is adequate for the first year after which it exceeds my expectations as an apprentice. I feel the salary is suitably tailored to the location and their is an abundance of support available in managing personal finances.

Employees are actively encouraged to do extra curricular work. I have been to many schools events (to promote apprenticeships)and community service events. I was also actively encouraged to join the football team which is something I know play in every week and represent the firm in competitions.

Yes

The value they place on employee well being is second to none, which makes you feel valued and makes you want to work to the best of your ability.

Have areas of the sector you are applying for that interest you and conduct some prior research on these areas so you can talk about them at interview. Be yourself but show your best self - the interview process is there to assess you not trick you. Have some questions to ask.