Technical Analyst Review

My role is involved with both Project work and BAU support work for servers that run a Windows operating system. I contribute towards and review technical documentation and provide material to support project and BAU work. Day to day activities include: server builds, server patching, networking, server configuration, virtualisation and decommissioning

Entering the apprenticeship with no previous experience in a technical role, I have a greater understanding in IT & Telecoms system management and fault diagnosis as well as data management infrastructure. I have now experience in working with IT hardware and equipment and providing remote support for the IT service I provide.

Year 1 of the apprenticeship program was provided by a company called QA. They were able to cater a course that could be more suited and beneficial toward each individual within technology. My assessor had a background in technology and was able to provide support and assistance throughout year 1. QA were also, able to provide an environment in which you were able to carry out practical activities. I found this to be extremely engaging and beneficial to my learning in year 1. Year 2, RBS decided to change the provider for the 2 year apprenticeship course to BPP. Initially, year 2 was set out to be an 18 month tenure but after taking on feedback was reverted back to the apprentice's expectation of 12 months. BPP provided a VLE (virtual learning environment) where modules were uploaded month by month, providing you with learning materials such as Wikipedia links, videos to third party websites and a power point slideshow in order to complete the modules within the time frame. I found this to be very frustrating, uninspired and cheap. The change in providers was disruptive and the catalogue of errors and broken promises between the provider BPP and employer RBS has been a real negative in the overall experience in the programme.

Year one I felt was well structured and organised. The provider QA used an e-tracker to show progress throughout the year. This was great for knowing if you were on track, which modules required completion and which modules were upcoming. QA would run certain courses at certain points in the year so if you were absent for a course, there was a good chance you could sign up for the next course within the year. The courses themselves were well-structured and very informative. Year two, unfortunately was not as well structured or organised as year one. One major outlier in this is that completed module work was not marked and/or feedback for months at a time. This issue may lead to my completion of year two being delayed due to no fault of my own. Also, the final course in year 2 (Career Skills) is still being agreed with SQA in how BPP deliver it within the month BBP expect apprentices to complete. Un-organised.

My line manager has been very understanding and generous in terms of providing time out of my day to day role to complete the coursework within my working week. My employer has attempted to correct the on-going issues with BPP by taking on apprenticeship feedback but it has been too little, too late coming 18 months into a 24 month apprenticeship. I feel that my employer has attempted to use spin and misinformation at feedback sessions to put the full blame onto the provider and I do not recall a formal apology made by the employer for the poor learning experience bestowed to the Apprentices. My employer has failed to successfully take ownership of the situation and ultimately their decision to change providers has come to the determent of the apprentices - the future of the business. I hope that my apprenticeship group have paved the way for a better experience to the next apprenticeship group.

BBP provided learning materials such as Wikipedia links, videos to third party websites and a power point slideshow in order to complete the modules and a deadline to complete the modules. It was not until mid way through year 2 that classes were introduced to the curriculum with a IT professional which provided better support and understanding towards the qualifications.

The courses covered in year one of my apprenticeship were chosen by myself and my line manager which helped tailor my education into my role which was a great benefit to me for my development. Year two was a set curriculum, most of the modules were relative in parts to my role but there were some that did not add any value to my performance.

RBS provide many social activities and professional networking events via the workplace and actively encourage employees to get involved with charitable work such as volunteering, fundraising and helping the environment.

No

I would recommend RBS to a friend but on my experience, I would not recommend RBS Apprenticeship scheme to a friend as the current provider - BPP - I feel do not meet the standard.

RBS prides itself on its exemplary training. If the company values the potential in you as an employee, then they are accountable in providing a platform to a standard in which you can fully meet your potential.