Technology Degree Apprentice Review

I am in team that deals with the cloud, therefore my day-to-day role requires me to create and automate regular reports and data of costs, to ensure that we are on top of our finances and make sure we are not spending on areas we do not need within the cloud team. I am also doing training alongside that helps me use cloud computing service such as AWS and Azure that we use on a daily basis.

I have learnt A LOT of new skills that I never thought I would be able to posses. Skills such as using computing languages (Python) , data analysis, analytics, cloud technology and the services for cloud, and of course a better knowledge in using the basic Microsoft functions; especially Excel. Although you are in a designated team, you work and interact with everyone in the office and therefore you build your confidence and become more proficient in communication with others.

The programme is very much structured and easy flowing at the same time, everyone in the office is willing to take out there time to help you, we have a tight nit community at our Warwick office; which is helped by a group of individuals (including myself) that help organise activities, events and things that involve the whole unit that makes make coming into work even more fun. We like to celebrate success and contribute to charity. I enjoy the programme as we are given work that positively challenges us, and no day is the same.

The structure of the programme is very good. The induction was good as it allowed to get to grips with the company and how they work, what is involved, who we can talk to etc. Training is done online, and we are given a day (sometimes two) dedicated to training and one day towards our university day. This gives us plenty of time to catch up on uni work and allows to train and learn whilst working and applying it to our work. The support I receive at work is incredible, everyone is willing to help, I have a career counselor who solves all problems I face, she is incredible when caring about my well-being and work load I receive.

Warwick is a small office, so we interact with everyone, from the other apprentice, employees from different teams, managers and even the managing director; and because of this we are able to build a proficient relationship with all, therefore asking and receiving support feels easy. We are not in contact with the HR team much, however if we face big problems, HR are quick to solve them. No one treats us as apprentices but as if we are at the same level as everyone else, there is no discrimination in the workplace, hence why I enjoy it here.

For University work, we do most of our learning online, we are given videos and PDF's to watch and read that gives us all the information we need for us to pass our module. We attend 2 day workshops every month, that allow us to interact with our tutor one to one, they usually go through content of the module we should have covered, and give us tasks throughout, we can ask them any questions then; if not we go on a site called 'Canvas' (which is where we access our university work) and we can email them through there, and we usually get very quick replies. The support is there if we need it, but sometimes I wish we got more of a university experience.

Sometime the modules that we are taking tie into the work we are doing at work, and that's good because it helps you in both areas. Putting what we have learnt through our university modules is always good to be put into practice at work, and that is still something I am working towards.

There are events we organise within work hours at work, such as a black history month, children in need day, Diwali, Christmas and much more. We regularly organise work outings with the peers in our office, such as an after work meal and activities such as bowling. There are events we can attend in London, and exhibitions where we get the opportunity to represent Accenture apprentices for schools. We have many benefits such as work discounts and for the gym too.

Yes

I would recommend Accenture to anyone, especially if you have an interest in technology. I believe that degree apprenticeships are the way forward, as you have 3/4 years worth of experience after the apprenticeship, you get paid a very good wage compared to a lot of other apprenticeships, you get a degree all paid for you, and you potentially have a guaranteed job at the end of it. You can work your way up easily as there are a lot of opportunities, especially being a global company with almost half a million employees worldwide.

A tip I would give is to be positive and be passionate, Accenture cherishes people with charisma and passion into what they enjoy, especially if you have an interest in technology (it doesn't necessarily matter if you're not technical). The way you work with other people and how well you can communicate with one another is something they look out for, no one wants to hire someone who is unable to work with other people, especially a large community based workforce. Make sure you are truly true to yourself and that you are vocal and don't be afraid to ask them questions in the interview! In the interview I recommend you do your research on the company, past cases they have worked with, awards they have achieved, competitors and even having ideas on how they could improve ( but don't be cocky). Having some experience in technology is useful and BE HAPPY and confident.