Technology Developer Review

My day-to-day role regularly changes every few months to allow me to pick up new skills during my apprenticeship. At the moment I have been given the opportunity to work as a Business Analyst. So this has required me to create test plans on new code changes which have been implemented into our internal applications. I will carry out these tests or oversee other employees carry out the test, this depends on which environment the tests are run on. Then I document the tests that have been carried out. Previously I have had the opportunity of working in DevOps. Whilst I worked in this area I had the opportunity to make deployments of new code onto our test environments. I also have had the opportunity to work as web administrator ,where I assisted in changing the domain of a web app. I also got the opportunity to work in Data Migration. So I used a software called PowerCenter to change how data is sent between two databases based on a change in business logic. In the future, I may start developing using Java.

Prior to joining UBS I had experience completing Computer Science A-Level. I greatly increased my skill in querying data using SQL. I have gained knowledge on RDBMS such as Oracle and Microsoft SQL server. I also have learned how to use the Unix command line, I'm still improving my knowledge on Unix to learn how to write bash shell script. I have also learned the basis of ETL, which is how data is migrated across databases this is done using PowerCenter. I have also increased my knowledge on how the SDLC works, so how software is actually released in a company. I have learned about software methodologies, especially Agile.

I am really enjoying my apprenticeship program. I work in a great team which is quite big so I have lots of opportunities to learn new skills. There are always lots events going on in the UBS office, for example we have an auditorium that regularly hold lectures. And HR provides a lot support to ensure that the apprentices are happy.

The Apprenticeship Program at UBS is very organised. During our induction week, we were given a schedule of what talks we will be attending. My line manager has provided amazing support in structuring how I will be assigned work or who will teach me certain skills. Unfortunately, the external training provider is slightly less organised.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. So I have a team lead which ensures that I have challenging work assigned to me. I have weekly 1 to 1 meetings with my line manager, in these meeting he provides expert advice and addresses any concerns I have. HR also provides a lot of support.

I receive a fair amount of support from my training provider. For my qualification, I need to write 3 projects based on any work that I have completed inside of the office. The training provider provides quick feedback on my drafts for the project. They also provide pre-reading material before I attend training courses which are done in a classroom/hotel in Bedfordshire. Firebrand support is also available onsite here.

I believe that the current qualification which I am studying for is useful. I enjoy the training courses which increase my skills in areas such as programming. Some of the courses are quite fundamental which isn't extremely helpful when the course is in an area you have already been working in.

There are a lot of opportunities to get involved in at work. It is a big part of the company culture to give back to the community, so there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer every month. These types of volunteering events can be UBS office or in the local community. There are many networks that you can join. These networks hold social events which gives people the opportunity to meet others from different areas of the bank. There also different clubs which you can join. I was really interested in languages but sadly they don't have any mandarin lessons :( There are also sports club which I have an interest in however they mainly based in east London after work, so I don't attend because I would like to go home and I don't live that locally.

Yes

I would recommend UBS to a friend because of how nice the people are here. The company provides lots of opportunities to develop new technical skills and soft skills. There is also a good salary compared to other apprenticeship program. Also I feel very honored to start my career here.

If you are applying for an apprenticeship at UBS, I would recommend thoroughly preparing for the application process. For example, ensuring that your CV displays all the skills you have. You can prepare for your interview process by preparing examples of times that you displayed certain skills, i.e Leadership skills on DofE. And you should research UBS culture and values.