Technical Consultant Review

Since the beginning of my apprenticeship, my role has shifted in terms of responsibilities. Originally, I was engaged on a fast paced Cloud Technologies learning program which I completed alongside office support (Network Domain maintenance, technical support, etc). Now my role consists of supporting senior consultants to deliver on a range of Cloud focused projects such as Cloud Platform Remediation, Maintenance and Services Delivery.

Yes, the position has allowed me to enhance my skillset on two streams. The first is technical through my day to day work focusing on Cloud. Examples include industry leading cloud certifications (Microsoft Azure Az-103) and other technologies such as Docker, Kubernetes and Terraform. The second stream is soft skills provided by the Early Careers program which is more general training (e.g. Career Planning, Stress Management, Presentation Skills, etc).

Overall, I've been incredibly pleased with my program, HPE has provided me with a encouraging workplace to develop my skills, great management and a well rounded support program. My criticism on the program front would be more aimed at the education provider QA. While they have improved since the beginning of the course, they have not always provided clarity around the course and regularly have issues surrounding administration (Course Enrolment, grade communication, etc).

The programme is quite rigid in its structure. We were informed at the beginning of how the degree would consist of a 4 year program provided by QA and how this would run. Internally, skill development is completed more locally through your direct manager. Some apprentices have strict deadlines for certifications, but my manager has always taken a flexible approach. As long as you're delivering for a customer or making productive use of your down time, they're happy.

Pastoral: HPE supports colleagues from a management level all the way to personal health. My manager has always ensured I can talk to them regarding personal issues or challenges in my work. From a sickness / medical perspective, HPE uses a 3rd party Bupa to support wellness and sickness leave. Additionally, HPE also provides resources such as employee discounts and headspace subscriptions. Education: Manager depending. My position has always been a fairly flexible approach. He's made resources available and outlined where he thinks I should develop skills, but gives me the option to develop skills which are appropriate.

QA has provided mixed support. Delivery consists of modules taught either from workshops or virtual seminars due to Covid. Thus experience really depends on the lecturer in question. Some lecturers have been fantastic, knowledgeable in their subject field and go above and beyond to support students while others have questionable business experience in the modules they teach and this shows.

Having completed Levels 4 and 5 of the degree with Level 6 still to go, I've completed roughly 10 modules on different topics with the following utility: 3 Modules - Directly applicable to day to day work. Actively enhanced my ability to help customers. 2 Modules - Interesting to learn, may be useful in future, but no direct utility now. 3 Modules - Questionable choice to include in degree, unlikely to be useful in future. 2 Modules - Offered no value.

HPE has an active extracurricular scene with a range of cross-department events. Examples include regular quizzes, early careers socials, talks from industry professionals and upper management etc. Even through Covid, a strong effort has been made to continue events remotely. Not everything will be directly relevant to your role, but will provide opportunities to experience and learn beyond your skillset.

Yes

-Encouraging workplace with friendly colleagues and management. -Career Path availability for those who seek to grow their careers into senior development or management roles. -Availability of resources to improve your skillsets. -Strong Early Careers programs and support. -Competitive Compensation and Benefits Packages (Including 25 Days Annual Leave + BH with option to buy more, Private Medical, Pensions, etc).

Similarly to when applying for any position. Start by researching the company, understanding who they are, what they stand for, what they provide and who they work with. Be truthful and confident during any interviewing processes and focus on your strengths. Be sure to highlight why HPE wants you working for them!