Technical Solutions Specialist Review

I started my apprenticeship in September 2015 and graduated in March 2018 with a level 4 qualification. Since joining, I have had 3 roles. First was a placement in the asset managment team where i was introduced to the IBM project structure with regards to how we support larger clients and did mostly administritive work while I got used to ibm procedures and practises. My second role was as a Duty Tehnician, managing and monitoring large complex production systems both during and out of office hours. In this role i learnt the majority of my linux, and cloud skills. I now focus specifically on one production cloud system providing support for users and implimenting fixes to transaction and infastructure issues.

I have developed all of my professional skills, from timekeeping and time managment, communication skills. Additionally, i have taken specific formal training in Win Automation, Project managment and DevOps (ITIL) and in my role, gained an in depth understanding of AWS infastructure, Linux, AIX, and a plethora of IBM legacy hardware and software, as well as improved all of my pre-existing hardware and software knowledge and skills.

Initially the experience was a little intimidating, but due to the great people I work with and the help the initially provided, I was very quickly integrated into the "big blue" and both completing project work, IBM work, and apprenticeship work in unison with ample help. The work itself was also very rewarding and engaging.

The programme could have been slightly better structured, as in my daily work at IBM, project work and business unit compliance took presedence over the work required to complete my apprenticeship and gain my qualification. I feel like we should be given more time during office hours to complete this coursework, however the required support and information was readily available to all apprentices and was relatively streightforward to follow.

As previouslty mentioned, the programme could have been slightly better structured, as in my daily work at IBM, project work and business unit compliance took presedence over the work required to complete my apprenticeship and gain my qualification. I feel like we should be given more time during office hours to complete this coursework, however the required support and information was readily available to all apprentices and was relatively streightforward to follow.

Other than reviewing my work, my training provided had very little input with regards to my apprenticeship. All of the required support was provided by my personal internal IBM manager, and i never had any engagements with highbury college or event went to the college itself. The one member of highbury i did interact with however graded my work efficiently and worked closely with the IBM personal managers to help grade and moderate our work.

I feel like the qualification I obtained was somwhat helpful towards my role, as it helped highlight what other specific training would help me in IBM. (eg ITIL, Prince2, DevOps and Automation training) although some of the content was not applicable to me, as I work as a technical support specialist and have little need for sales or business knowledge.

There are plenty. IBM has mant sporting and gaming clubs, as well as regular extra curricular meetings to improve our industry knowledge and skills. We also have on-site recreation rooms, tennis courts, walks, cafes and even a bar for after work. The overall ethos of IBM and the availability of resources and recreation is unparalelled.

Yes

I would because of the opertunity for endless progression, as those who are willing to work hard are recognised and rewarded well. People are all treated with respect, and the support each individual reciecves is brilliant for any company, and especially impressive considering IBMs size relative to other employers. While learning and gaining qualifications, we are able to perform real roles and get paid at the same time too.

My advice is to join IBM with an open mind, and be willing to push yourself to reach your goals. You will learn about IBM's principles and the trianing will guide you to a better work life and work life ballance. Dont be afraid to reach out when you need help either, but the sky truely is the limit if you work your socks off!