Digital technology apprentice Review

My role is based around IT networking and security for a health and public services client. Day to day my role varies, some days I could be monitoring incident queues for the client and troubleshooting networking related incidents, firewall configuration management and other days writing technical documentation to do with testing and automation.

Yes, since joining I have developed a plethora of skills especially in cloud computing such as Amazon Azure, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform. My current project has enabled me to develop my existing skills in IT Security and data analytics using tools such as Splunk & PowerBI.

Yes I do enjoy the program here within Warwick, the program has enabled me to grow immensely in comparison to when I first joined. I would say that I am more confident as a result. I have definitely grown in both technical and non-technical skillsets which is a good 50/50 split.

To be honest, since joining there has been a few hiccups in regards to the structure of the program, as with any fairly new program. At first, the program wasn't as structured as the London apprenticeship scheme which had been running for longer. Overtime, management and our apprentice leads have taken the time out to sort any issues that we had either from an Apprenticeship or QA perspective. Only pitfalls in regards to the program is in regards to promotion expectations and timelines. Now the guidelines have changed so that promotion doesn't happen for apprentices until they finish the scheme which leaves existing apprentices who joined at the certain time before these changes were made in the dark when it comes to promotion processes. In regards to the wider part of Accenture, the culture is okay sometimes it feels like you get ahead based on who you know which can naturally create a highly competitive environment which may lead an apprentice to fill stuck or like the work is not being "seen" especially if they aren't as extroverted as others. Promotions should be based on meritocracy and not a popularity contest.

Despite the point above, the support is immense, management are really supportive and some colleagues are willing to go out of their way to help you grow as an individual. In terms of the wider Accenture, HR are also really supportive when it comes needed help around work or study or any other general issues.

QA over the years has improved, now they have added weekly "contact time" sessions with the lecturers alongside weekly course content. Prior to covid, we had to attend 2 day workshops every 4 weeks. Now all learning has moved to weekly half day workshops which helps with understanding the course content more. There are weekly quizzes to help aid in exams/assignments and extra workshops on tips on how to achieve better grading. Overall tutors are responsive.

Depends on the module, certain modules are relevant to my role, certain modules are not however for my optional modules I try to pick modules that are more suited to what I am doing I.E. Cloud, Security, networking. As with any degree you will get modules that you enjoy/dislike but do appreciate that it needs to be done to meet the criteria of a "Digital Technology Solutions" apprentice.

Despite Warwick being a small tight knit community, there are quite a few internal fun initiatives that apprentices can get involved in such as Life@Warwick which helps to raise money for charities. You can also join other internal societies across Accenture which isn't location dependant. Only downsides are not as many sports or creative clubs in Warwick in comparison to other locations.

Yes

To be honest, depends on the person. Warwick has a huge focus on automation technology and cloud infrastructure and it is clear that this is where future is going. If someone is passionate about technology or has an interest in these areas then they will be well suited to Accenture/ Warwick, if you have other types of roles that or of interest such as software dev, PMO/project delivery type roles then try other parts of Accenture for better career advancement.

Very cliché, but be yourself. No point faking or telling management what they want to hear in interviews. They understand that you may not have the technical expertise but as long as you show a passion for tech or show what you have done previously that can relate to working in the corporate environment i.e. voluntary work or taking extra coding classes. Do the research on the company, be confident and likeable (i.e. not overly cocky) and ask questions because ultimately it is a two way thing - the company are trying to see if you are the right fit, and you will be asking questions to see if the company is the "right fit" for you as well.