Technology Consultant Review

My role varies from day to day, with programmes of work being both internal and external. We get to experience multiple lines of work and support mainly from a project management office point of view. This can involve use of tools like Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Excel to model and create information packs

Throughout the apprenticeship I have learnt multiple new skills. I have improved my client relationship soft skills and developed both my communication and project management ability. Additionally I have had the opportunity to utilise commercial licenses to experience with technical tools and develop my knowledge. However, this has been personally driven

The programme as a whole has had many ups and down. It has been difficult to see a pathway through the scheme and at times support both from training provider and company has been lacking. However, the work and exposure to a variety of clients and industries has been interesting.

Beyond a required list of modules to be taught, the scheme has been quite poorly structured. Over the course of our programme we have had 4 different apprentice leads. No structured rotation around technical projects and a self driven engagement with our training provider, ADA college. I feel this could be significantly improved.

With a continual change in leadership and a lack of knowledge about what is a still a new programme the level of support has been poor overall. We are left to manage our own training and projects which is difficult and unmaintainable. I feel ey need to do more to make this scheme successful

The training provider - ADA College has been poor in their support of students. There is a continual change in contacts, schedules and learning tools. Raising issues is met with strong resistance and even with something as simple as requesting additional feedback or a remark is ignored and dismissed once raised at a higher level

I feel that certain elements of the degree are useful in our roles. For example I have applied the learning around agile methodology to my workplace projects on multiple occasions, this has definitely helped my performance. On the other hand, the workload from coursework and a full-time job has been a strain, the expectation is for us to take holiday to complete our coursework.

Yes, there are extra-curricular activities to get involved in at work. There are networks covering sports, faiths and multiple other areas. They are generally free to join and are well attended. I would recommend joining these networks to anyone at EY. There are also regular networking and teaming events for differing audiences

No

I would not recommend the apprentice scheme to anyone in my network. I feel the scheme has a long way to come in support and development and the training provider needs to be reviewed. I would however recommend EY for a experienced hire role where friends would already have passed the junior ranks.

For anyone applying make sure to review the level you are applying for and what the best training path is for you. Be aware that travel is a large element of the consultants job, so be prepared to be away from home. If you do join, try and network and join some clubs that you genuinely have an interest in