Apprentice Review

As an apprentice my role allows me to do rotations in the various tech departments, allowing me to get hands on experience. I have worked within the mobile testing team, where I got to learn the importance of testing and do some QA tests. While in infoSec I learnt about patching, email security and networking. Other rotations include Data, Service delievery and infrastructure

I am constantly learning and improving my skills, after an in-depth induction to the company which covered presentation skills, customer needs and role relevant training. You then start your rotation and being learning skills relevant to that department as well as soft skills such as communication through stand ups and online meetings.

The degree programme I am on allows me to gain knowledge through a mix of in work learning and university studies. Currently due to the pandemic this has been mostly working and studying from home, a very different experience to being on campus and in the offices but overall I have got the most out of my tutors and balanced work/studies well enough.

The programme was organised well in advanced and then the pandemic hit meaning the study plan changed. This meant learning was moved online therefore some of it wasn't ideal for online learning but the uni/tutors revised the plans and this allowed for a better teaching. However group project's were very hit and miss as the groups were made from students who you haven't met and teams wasn't the best for 'forming' a group dynamic

The support is amazing, we are given mentors to help us when needed which is a great opportunity to have, as well as support and time if I required any help around deadlines and are always encouraged to join in any extra event the university puts on for the apprentice students.

The apprentices are provided with a skills coach who is our first point of contact if we need any extra support around the qualification, as they can help advise and signpost us. The lectures have also always been very clear on how/when we can contact them outside of lectures and when I have needed to do this I have always recived a prompt reply.

As this qualification allows me to chose what to specialise in it will help me once I have finished my rotations and started in the relevant department. Therefore I will be studying topics that relate to my day to day role and will be able to perform better with this knowledge. Currently I have learnt coding principals which allows me to understand some of the code used in my role.

The majority of this type of activities have stopped due to the pandemic but are slowly restarting, they offer an onsite gym and classes, pay day drinks, volunteer days and social events. I have taken part in after work, online social events such as cocktail classes (drinks were sent to home address) and team quizzes.

Yes

I would recommend AJ Bell to friends and family because of the great opportunities the job roles offer and work enviroment/ ethos. The company has an amazing culture which supports its employees through the apprenticeship and helps you achieve your best. They also offer other benefits such as buying/selling holidays, EAP, a day off to volunteer and support fundraising done by employees.

If you are applying to AJ Bell, I would recommend that you read up on the company, the role you are applying for and be yourself! Have a look at the social media pages too and watch the videos so you get a real feel for the company. Also don't worry about having any prior coding experience if you are applying for the DTS apprenticeship, thats a skill that can be learnt!