DBA Apprentice Review

A quick overview of my role within DB2 is still mainly learning and training as there is so much cover!! I pick up different tasks within my team on a weekly basis which are majority different from week to week so I get a chance to constantly learn new / interesting tasks but also constantly learning from these variety of tasks. However, a task that I have been assigned to do each day is the 'Daily Checks' which consists of me doing a full check of DB2. This means that I check and report many thing that DB2 are associated with, from each plex on the main frame right through to mailbox's.

Apprenticeship wise I have now completed my 'Level 6' in 'IT and Telecoms' which is real achievement for me to have gained this recognisable qualification. I am now working towards my 'Level 8' in 'IT and Telecoms' which should hopefully be completed no later that November 2019. With my team DB2 i have also went on a 'DB2 overview' online course in March 2019. This course was done by RSM and was run through an online skype. This was a 2-day intense course and covered all the basics of DB2 which was very useful.

Apart from the issue myself and the rest of the apprentices are experiencing with 'BPP University' the apprentice work and team work has been enjoyable. The courses that are provided by BPP are very useful and to a high standard however communication, getting worked marked or even a simple answer to a question can be a struggle from 'BBP University' as i haven't heard from my assessor for about 6 months now. I all still receive emails about courses that are put in place however I have received no emails about work being marked or when / if my assessor is ever going to return. My experience within RBS as a whole has been very enjoyable and a GREAT learning experience. I love the companies culture and my role within RBS and has met / exceeded my expectations. I have no issues with RBS however the apprentice programme ran by 'BPP university' need reviewing.

I believe that my program within RBS is very well structured and organised as a whole. My team and manager give me lots of support and guidance and are always willing to help me by going over topics or tasks I don't understand or even a simple point in the right direction. One of tasks that help to make my programme structured is that on a Friday I prepare myself a weekly plan for the next again week. Within my weekly plan I write and plan which tasks I will complete for DB2 and which apprenticeship tasks. This way I'm not spending too long or not enough time of certain topics.

I believe I receive endless amount of support from both my manager and my team (DB2) as they are always willing to help and guide me whenever I'm struggling with a task or not sure how to complete something. I fortunately haven't needed to approach or go to HR about an issue but I have heard they are very supportive and I wouldn't hesitate approaching them when / if I come across an issue.

Unfortunately recently I haven't received any support from 'BPP University' recently. At the start of my apprenticeship I received lots of support both from my assessor and his manager. However, the manager left 'BBP' back in October 2019 and had no communication from my assessor round about same time. BPP haven't replied to my emails or answered my calls and we still don't have our own specific assessor. Overall, i personally feel like i have had a lack / no support from BPP since December 2018 and hope this changes in the following months.

One of the modules in the course was all about eye-contact, body language etc. which has come in handy in my day-to-day life and helps me perform better within my role. In meetings or even a simple chat with a member of my team I'm able to correct myself to an open, helpful, non-threatening posture and maintain strong good eye contact.

Fortunately, within RBS there are many different opportunities and activities to get involved in. I have been involved in the international women's day event for 2 years in a row now. I decided to initially get involved within this event as I feel passionate about the meaning behind this event and i thought it would be a great networking opportunity which it was. There are many different activities to get involved in within RBS and there is one to suit everyone.

Yes

I believe RBS is a great place to work and has many employee benefits. I have recently got involved in the share save scene the bank has to offer. The opportunity for me to get involved within share save has made me more away of the benefits of saving and being able to see what my saving could look like in years to come is very motivating.

The tip I would give to others applying for RBS is to just be yourself in the interview. Within RBS there are no 2 people you see or meet are the same, so don't act fake to try and be the so called 'perfect' candidate within the interview as it was show and can trigger nerves and what you think the 'perfect' candidate is in your head is completely different to someone else.