Graduate Level Apprentice Review

I provide technical support for applications being used by employees and work on projects involving IT change within the council, such as upgrading the PCs and checking that software will be compatible with a newer operating system. I also learn about new systems being introduced so that I can provide assistance from launch day to council employees as well as other members of my own team. One day a week, I attend university where I study IT Management for Business.

I have learned a lot about the wide range of applications and systems used across the many areas of the company and different ways to determine problems within applications. I have also developed my knowledge from secondary school computing education, such as learning more about software development techniques and other coding languages in use. At university, I have learned about databases, software engineering methods, business systems analysis and design and project management.

I do enjoy my programme. I believe it is a alternative to simply attending university. It allows me to still get a degree, similar to one that I had applied for via UCAS, but also gain work experience at the same time. The company has been running programmes like this for several years so they understand what support students need.

I believe the programme is well structured. There is a very comprehensive induction training session for new employees when they start, teaching them about the company as a whole. Then, I received an extra introduction, teaching me about the structure and format about my new workplace specifically. Thanks to the induction, when I was brought into my team, I already had a good understanding of the management structure and the processes that were in place. I am able to meet wit my boss on a regular basis and let them know my goals for the future and we discuss how to reach those goals. This allows for a proper structure to be put in place but one designed for me to progress how I would like to within the company

I receive a lot of support. The company ensures that there is necessary support for apprentices, such as a buddy (an employee who has completed/is a few years into completing a similar program that is able to provide information about being an apprentice as well as answer general questions about the company) and a mentor (someone who interacts with the apprentice on a regular basis and is in contact with their university and knowledgeable about their course, able to offer advice about the company and provide support for managing the work load of both a full time university course and full time employment).

I believe I receive a great amount of support with regards to working towards my qualification. I am always able to communicate the work I am doing in university to my boss who then checks if it is possible for me to get real world exposure to a similar type of work. The company has stayed in contact with the university, asking if there is any particular work for me to be given or any areas of business I should be exposed to that would assist with my learning and development throughout the course

I believe that my qualification helps me greatly in the workplace. Due to the fact that my employer has discussions with the university, ensuring that work and course content remain relevant to each other, I find that what I learn at university gives me a better understanding of the work performed by myself and my team as well as other colleagues working in different areas of the business. I have been able to use knowledge and experience gained from my university course to gain a higher level of understanding of the work involved in different projects, allowing me to work to a higher standard

Yes. There are sports games, social clubs, events teams and other ways that members of staff can get to know each other and see each other in a more casual environment as well as meet members of staff that they have not spoken to before. We have also had a networking event to allow members of staff that are all working in the same city but in buildings to get to know each other.

Yes

The company provides great benefits to employees, such as high levels of matching contributions to pension and shares as well as the ability to buy and sell holidays. Working here, I have gotten the impression that the company cares about me and my work and is willing to help me where possible. For my position, I believe the apprenticeship scheme offered is the best way to work towards a degree. I looked at going to university through UCAS and similar apprenticeships but none seemed to offer a better education or work experience than offered by this compamny's apprenticeship scheme. The main reason I would recommend this company to other is because I enjoy what I do and am happy to come to work in the mornings.

I would tell them to relax. My assessment day with the company was my first experience of anything like that so I was naturally nervous, however, once the day had started and I was able to showcase my skills and knowledge, I felt a lot more calm. My interview was very casual and felt like a casual chat with friends. I was able to have enjoy a laugh with the interviewers and we all got on well. The company is not looking for robots that tick boxes on CVs and show up, work then go home. They are looking for people who are able to talk about their own experiences, strengths and weaknesses. They are looking for people who will enjoy the work they are doing and enjoy working with the people around them. Again, the main thing is to relax and let your true self shine, let the company get to know who you truly are.