Apprentice Software Test Consultant Review

In my role I have been responsible for preparing software test environments, running software tests and interacting with clients and other stakeholders. I have also been responsible for completing various IBM learning and administrative tasks within my role and on my own time. I've interacted daily with clients, consultants, IBM colleagues and management staff.

I have learnt new skills, such as scripting, software testing and software test automation. I have completed numerous internal training courses, as well as external training courses and am scheduled to undertake Software testing qualifications. I have also developed existing skills, such as interpersonal skills, time management, presenting and other professional development.

The work is conceptually very interesting but at times can be tedious. I have worked with different teams and have largely been welcomed and supported. I have had opportunities to go away for training with other apprentices which have been very enjoyable. The company culture is demanding but also supportive and fair. The program broadly meets my expectations and I have overall enjoyed it.

Although we were the first to go through on this particular program it has been well organised and structured. We had a comprehensive induction, have been given lots of training and opportunities to be mentored. There we're some significant delays in getting assigned work once on a project but this isn't unusual in consulting work and we we're given studying etc to do.

I have been well supported by my employer, even through some difficult periods of illness that might otherwise have forced me to discontinue my apprenticeship. My manager has always been available and IBM has made many other avenues for support available to me. I've been given useful guidance around problems that have arisen when I've asked for it.

IBM has been the training provider for working towards my qualification. I have received support from my early professionals manager and my peers in completing parts of my qualification, for example meeting up as a group monthly to review our progress. My early professionals manager has been my main source of guidance and support.

Working towards my qualification has helped me on a day to day basis in my role. There has not been much separation between my on the job learning and my work towards my qualification, so most of what I've learnt has seemed relevant. There have been opportunities to put what I've learnt from learning courses into practice.

There are lots of company events to get involved in, access to these is somewhat dependent on location however. There are opportunities to take on voluntary initiative's which we're encouraged to take on. There are also social events around the workplace. When I'm not working I've spent time socially with fellow apprentices, gone out, joined leisure and sports clubs.

Yes

IBM and it's apprenticeship schemes would be a great fit for the right person. If a friend wasn't hampered by the potential disadvantages of working for IBM, was happy to travel a lot, didn't have a fixed idea of where they wanted to work and was Ok with working long hours when required, then IBM is a great place for them to work. The work is interesting and varied, there are loads of opportunities for professional development and there is a great community to be a part of.

I would advise someone to research what IBM has achieved and how IBMers work, both to make sure it was right for them and to improve their chances in the application process. It's important to realise that it could take a long time from application to starting the apprenticeship. For the interviews and assessment day I'd advise to be prepared and to put yourself out there.