Apprentice Application Support Analyst Review

I primarily work for the client, remoting into their systems from the office. My role there is based within access control, I provision and maintain different levels of access across dozens of applications and Active Directory. The role is quite technical and requires a good understand of different types of software both old and new, usage of email and skype IMs are something that is pivotal within my role, as well as taking calls from clients. My role is also very reliant on team work so communication is key. I provision access across a number of high risk applications, the nature of the client’s financial work means that the access that it is imperative that my job is performed carefully. Examples of software utilised include: • Active Directory • Osirium • Windows Server • High risk financial applications

The nature of my role has allowed me to become a more effective communicator as well as work more carefully and efficiently. The sheer number of new applications that I have learned to use has also been useful, my role including a substantial amount of training. New applications are being consistently onboarded, so this is a regular occurrence. My role includes a single day a week in college studying towards a Level 4 HNC qualification as part of the NVQ. There I undertake a number of of classes, include programmer and web design.

The program is mostly enjoyable. Normally I would be working in office everyday but the current global situation is not allowing that. Obviously this makes working as a team more difficult, but teamworking is still an imperative part of my role. While some tasks can prove to be tedious, most are enjoyable. NVQ work is fine, with most of it being completed as part of the work that I do. College work can be tiring but it's relatively simple.

Chances are when you join, you will experience a "bench period" before joining a team. This period can last from a few weeks to a few months but you will be kept occupied during the meantime. Inductions and training are all completed when you join the company/move onto your team. You will receive support and guidance from your line manager(s), who will likely be supporting your whole team. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the program has seen disorganisation for all apprentices within our area. Whilst this was mainly not at the fault of the company, some could have been avoided.

My managers support me very well and give me time to complete work unrelated to the project. The HR team are very helpful and will assist you quickly with any concerns that you have. There is a buddy system within the company, you will be assigned a buddy based upon which unit or team you are placed in. Support is easily accessed within the company's intranet and any problems you face, you will be able to find solutions within this.

A level 4 NVQ us split into NVQ work and a HNC work. The training provider is responsible for NVQ work whereas your college/university is responsible for HNC work. You will be assigned a training advisor by the provider who will act as your point of contact, they will be there to support you. The training provider will also make use of some sort of online VLE for you to upload work onto. The training provider schedules monthly visits to check or progress, understand more about our individual roles and to listen to any of our concerns.

The qualification helps me as it works well in running alongside my role. I am able to build skills as part of my role whilst gaining qualifications so that these skills can be backed up. My qualification also helps me understand my job role better, providing insight into exactly what I am doing.

A number of activities are regularly scheduled, ranging from social/team events and holiday parties to professional network events and 'town hall' meetings. These can include event fayres, client visits to mountain climbing and Christmas parties. These events can be localised to your team, some can span your office floor, your entire office as well as your entire business unit or the whole of the UK. You are offered one day a year of volunteering and there are numerous classes from coding to ITIL to first aid to leadership that you can enrol in, all paid for by the company should it be approved.

Yes

The company provides suitable positions for all people interested in entering the tech or corporate sectors. The company has a great welcoming period and they offer great incentives that can benefit both you and your family. The in office atmosphere is friendly and it is a great way to begin a career within software or other related industries.

When you apply, you will need to fill out a few a few questions. Then there will be an assessment day which will involve a group task, quiz and interview. You will then here back about whether you have been successful. An induction event will then tak place close or on your start day, which you may need to travel to.