Technology Consultant Review

On a day-to-day basis, things can be incredibly varied. This is not only down to the company itself, but the clients who they serve. One day you could be standing up a simple VM, the next writing documentation, sitting an exam or creating an ephemeral solution. A lot of internal interactions, especially if working from client site - You get to know the other members well, and generally become a close knit team.

Yes. I've managed to increase my knowledge in certain areas, pass a few business unit specific exam and get involved in a range of technologies. Past this, I feel it has also helped with social skills as well as provide a forum for ideas which can be easily explored.

I enjoy the company and the work it provides, as it provides a challenge and is incredibly interesting (especially the clients). However, I am not fond of the learning provider nor the material which it has continued to supply. On the flip side of this, HPE provides itself as a cohesive family unit. You can easily be heard, try new things and make some great friends. It truly is an experience from a HPE side.

Induction by HPE was fantastic, and also provided a number of free "goodies". The week was to the point and provided a wealth of knowledge, to kick-start understanding around the company's ethos. Support is there, from assigned managers and from others within your team - including any other apprentices. It really is a case of taking control and seeing what you need, as opposed to the illusion of control (where you're pushed down one road). However, support from outside the company (from the training provider) is lackadaisical to say the least. This is the primary reason for the rating decrease.

Management within HPE is brilliant (or at least from my experience of my manager) - If you have an issue, you're welcome to air it and get a resolution, if within the controls of HPE. Mentor is provided, if you wish to use it and the hierarchy is such that you know where to go if there's an issue.

Little to none. Material is severely outdated, isn't engaging and overall lacking. Communication is poor and the style of end-exams is laughable - Especially given the use of (what is essentially) freeware, to deliver courses. The only saving grace is a, few, rare tutors who are incredibly engaging during workshops and an overall pleasure. Support from some tutors is completely lacking and morphs into a T&C of "Please read the slides again".

I feel it has little or no impact give the business unit I'm within. As an individual, I find that I'm learning far more through working on client site (and engaging with other HPE members) - than reading slides from the training provider, on (essentially) outdated technology. While it's good for a foundation knowledge (ergo, if you've never done IT), I'm here for the career prospects. My performance here is based on my own drive to succeed.

Plenty of activities dependent on business unit. This ranges from sports, to social events and onto items such as Yoga, etc - Though, as noted, this will be down to which part of the business you're working within. If based in Central London, at the main office, there's little by way of events (that I'm aware of). The old London RedPixie office has quite a few varied events occurring, and the same can be said for the Bracknell offices (which will be moving). It should be noted that there's no pressure to get involved, and if it's not your thing you're not forced to do it. Do also note that you're provided a few hours a month to volunteer, where you're able to be paid (but volunteer towards a cause).

Yes

The company is great to work for, providing a slew of perks overall. The vast majority of people are good to work with, and there's a number of personalities - Nobody discounts any ideas, just because you're an apprentice and the company allows you to "spread your wings"; try new things.

At least when I applied, it was a multi-step process. This involved submitting an application to QA, who then invited me to process an application on HPE's site. At this point, I was selected to come to an assessment day where it involved an interview, presentation (provided by you) and a few other activities. A few weeks after the assessment day, I was contacted by the person running the programme and told that they'd like to extend an offer. This was also provided alongside feedback around the assessment day.