Financial Services Technology Apprentice Review

I am a Financial Services Technology Apprenticeship at Fidelity International. My role encompasses building applications using Java, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, as well as requirement analysis. I work in a reasonably large team, working alongside some very experienced coders and one ex-apprentice. I have completed multiple projects now, including an application to help deliver a Scrum methodology to teams spanning across countries by building an online poker planning tool and an email feature for the Client Services Application. I spend my days coding and find it very rewarding.

Building upon what I had learnt from my first year, I can now code to a high standard, and am have built many applications which have gone into live production. I have been on all of the training courses with my training provider Firebrand, during which I have gained a better understanding of the Technology word. I have also picked up many soft skills related to working in a team. I have increased my scope outside of just coding, learning requirements analysis as well which means I now write stories as well.

I really enjoy the programme I am on. I have had my responsibilities increase year on year, and am well on my way to completing my qualification, whilst learning much more than just coding. I am in a great team who are very welcoming, and am supported every step of the way.

I have found my programme very well organised. The soft skill sessions with my apprentice group in order to increase confidence have continued this year , and my training courses with my training provider have always been extremely informative. A quarterly meeting with the head of Technology Infrastructure has been set up, and there is always clarity of what is happening.

I continued to receive a great amount of support from my employer. I have frequent meetings and catch ups with my manager, which allows me to discuss how I am progressing as well as any issues I may be having. The early careers HR team are very approachable and have been great when I have needed any help or support. I have also had continued support from my mentor in my team.

My training provider has improved from the lack of support in the first three months. When I wanted to change a course I was going on to be better suited to the skills I need to perform my job, they were willing and able to accommodate this. I have always had the support from my facilitator throughout my time as an apprentice.

I started as an apprentice with no prior technology skills (such as programming) and had no idea what an agile methodology was, but since starting with my training provider, alongside the huge amount of experience I have gained working, I understand and apply this sort of knowledge every day. I was able to take courses relevant to my area of the business, and have gained an understanding of technology as a whole, which allows me to perform better in my role.

There are many events throughout the year to get involved in. I worked on the TEDx event this year after volunteering to help out at the previous event, which was held by the company in London. The company has held apprenticeship socials, including drinks receptions, and a Christmas quiz! Fidelity provided every employee with volunteering leave, and I have used these days throughout my time as an apprentice to help local charities.

Yes

I having completed one year as an apprentice I would still recommend Fidelity to anyone who wasn't sure about going to university, as they offer a great range of apprenticeships in a very nurturing environment. I have not only learnt an incredible amount in such a short amount of time, but have gained an incredible amount of experience and built up my confidence as well.

I would just advise to be yourself and stay relaxed when doing any interviews. Do some research around the company and possibly who's interviewing you in order to get a better knowledge of possible questions. Whilst I never did any assessment days in order to get my apprenticeship all new apprentices will have to go through one and my advice for that is to be very friendly, work as hard as possible in any activity you do and make sure to be a team player.