Consultant / Application Support Analyst Review

I provide application support / management services to the client, which includes services such as user administration, application debugging and so on, across a wide range of software both old and new. The role is fairly technical so constant correspondence with my immediate team as well as wider client teams is crucial. I predominantly work within the clients systems, within dozens of high risk including Windows Active Directory, Server and Microsoft Azure. The nature of the client’s work means that it is imperative that my job is performed carefully.

My role has allowed me to become a much more effective communicator as well as gain a deeper understanding of how to utilize advance pieces of software. The sheer number of new applications that I have learned to use has also been useful, my role includes a substantial amount of "continuous knowledge transfer" (training). New applications are being consistently onboarded, so this is a regular occurrence. Outside of my day role, I am nearing the completion of a Level 4 IT Professionals NVQ. This has included work around software lifecycles, networking, programming etc.

The programme is mostly enjoyable, with a wide range of varied tasks for me to undertake being available each day. I am currently working remotely, and have done so every day since March of last year. My role is still enjoyable despite this. Work for the NVQ is fine, however with nearly all academic work you'll encounter, it can be quite "slow".

The past year has been difficult for any sort of "structure" and unfortunately my role is no different. Fortunately I can say CGI have done their best in this regards, allowing for flexibility, and remaining in constant contact about any updates regarding the apprenticeship. Unfortunately I can't really say the same for the training and learning providers. Theses have seemed disorganised at best, and the past year has been a struggle, to no fault of CGI's.

Ample support is available at CGI, from managers, to HR teams, to the UK Students team. You are given a day a week (in term times) to undertake your studies, and constant communications from CGI help to support wherever needed. There is a buddy system within the CGI, you will be assigned a buddy based upon which unit or team you are placed in which is particularly useful at the beginning of your apprenticeship.

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. From a CGI perspective, ample support for your training is provided, however there could be more in some areas. Again, the training services provided by the training/learning providers is disorganised at best and could be improved.

The qualification is mostly related towards the role you will undertake with CGI. You will get to choose a number of units that will go towards the completion of your NVQ, so you are able to choose those which are directly related to your everyday role, which is helpful. In terms of direct support, there is some provided by the training provider for better performance about your role. However, I would suggest that it would be more beneficial in taking this up with your managers etc. directly.

There are ample extra-curricular activities that are consistently communicated to you. You can choose to get involved in as few or as many of these as you wish. These activities can be localised to your team, some can span your office floor, your entire office as well as your entire business unit or even the whole of the UK. You are offered one day a year of volunteering should you wish to take it, and there are numerous courses such as coding, ITIL, first aid and leadership that you can enrol in, all paid for by the company should it be approved, including any exams.

Yes

The company provides a fantastic opportunity for you to begin your career, whether you are interested in entering the IT or corporate sectors. The company has a great welcoming period and offers great incentives that can benefit both you and your family. The company atmosphere is great and you will have ample opportunity to explore a wide variety of opportunities throughout your employment.

When you apply, you will need to fill out a few a few questions; make sure you take time to understand the questions and be confident in your answers. Then there will be an assessment day which will involve a group task, quiz and interview; again make sure that you take time to understand what is being asked of you, remain calm, collected, confident and most importantly- enjoy yourself.