Systems Programmer Review

My role involves installing, maintaining and administering Z systems which are used by IBM developers to build and test various applications that IBM sells and maintains for customers. My day to day tasks involve helping customers with problems of varying complexity on their systems which we track with helpline tickets. My role does involve some hardware interaction but mostly consists of administering systems remotely.

Since joining IBM I've developed an array of useful skills both from the apprenticeship and from my job role. From the apprenticeship, I've learned how to competently write code in Java and improved my software development skills by building various systems. In my role, I've learnt how to navigate, debug and administer z/OS, z/VM and some Linux systems, knowledge which is currently in high demand in the wider jobs marketplace.

My apprenticeship programme was level 4 software developer. Completing the apprenticeship was challenging and consequently rewarding. I enjoyed the freedom of being able to manage when I did my apprenticeship work and when I focussed on my role. I also liked that you are assigned a learning mentor who guides/assists you throughout the whole apprenticeship.

I'd say the software developer programme is quite well organised but there are some areas for improvement. I met regularly with my learning mentor to discuss my progress which was a great help. Training for the two certifications involved in my apprenticeship consisted of residential 4-7 day courses which were intense but added variety to my learning and allowed me to learn a large amount in a short time.

On the first day of employment in IBM, I was assigned a 'foundation manager' which is someone whose job is to help early professionals to comfortably join the company and assist with any difficulties the apprenticeship may cause. I was also put in a foundation unit of other apprentices who were completing programmes similar to mine. I'd say the support I've received from IBM has been excellent.

I was assigned a learning mentor by my training provider who guided me through the whole apprenticeship. I always felt that this person was genuinely interested in my success in the programme and provided all the help I needed. My training provider and mentor was always easy to reach via a custom-built apprenticeship portal.

After completing the Java OCA certification that was required to complete my apprenticeship, I understood coding far better than I had in the past. This knowledge helped me with scripting and debugging in other languages which allowed me to progress as a systems programmer. I've also applied this coding knowledge to automation projects in my role which has saved me time.

There is a range of extracurricular activities available to me at IBM, particularly at Hursley because the site is so large and full of developers. For example, I've made use of IBM's 3D printer since joining, have joined the running club, have attended mainframe meetups. The apprentice community regularly arranges social activities such as pub quizzes or Christmas outings.

Yes

Even though IBM is a huge international company, the culture is still very friendly. I've met so many interesting and highly knowledgable IBMers since joining. We're encouraged to continue learning all the time, so much so that I set aside time every week just for personal education on whatever interests me. The range of fields that IBM is involved in gives me so many opportunities to move around within the company and experience new areas if I want to. To sum up, why? - The people, The culture and Opportunities.

If I could speak to myself when I was applying to apprenticeships I'd say, just go for it. If you join IBM, you'll have the option to move into other roles if you want to so the fear of being stuck in one job is removed. Don't be intimidated by the recruitment process. My A-level results weren't high enough for the role I applied for so during recruitment, I switched to a different pathway. I've now finished that apprenticeship and am free to pursue my original choice if I want to. The knowledge you gain from just being around experts is invaluable. The fact that I could get a really great qualification, earn a competitive salary and have no debt in the end was a no brainer to me. IBM really is a fantastic place to work. Go for it.