Digital and Technology Degree apprenticeship Review

by IBM

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

10/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Each day we have a team meeting in the morning to make sure we know what we're doing and update the team on progress. I have to implement code changes to our product to fix bugs or add new features which have been requested. Projects can be of all sizes

10/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have learnt Java and Python since starting my job. As well as this I've learnt about GraphQL and also about writing unit testing. I'm about to start learning FV testing too. I was asked to complete a core consulting course as well as more tech related things.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I find my programme really good fun, the degree covers a wide variety of areas and helpsmme to learn stuff needed for my role. It definitely meets my expectations but covers more business related stuff than I was expecting. My team are lovely and there's great company culture at work

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

It's really organised. My foundation manager has calls with me each week for support and ensures I'm up to date with everything. Tasks are delegated each week in the team meeting. When I was inducted we had a 2 week induction with a load of apprentices so I got to meet everyone

10/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Alot of support. Both my managers are really helpful and I have meetings with them regularly to update on how I'm getting on and make sure I'm doing okay. Theres lots of other places I can report to if I need any other kind of help as well

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

I have meetings every week to keep in touch with him about how I'm getting on. I enjoy these calls and he seems to be really excited to help me and catch up. It's a time to talk about any worries too or issues I'm having with my classes so we can fix it

10/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

It's taught me alot about business and management etc which are useful additional skills to have in my role. I have been able to apply a lot of the software testing and development skills to my everyday work as well as the academic and presentation skills have helped boost my confidence

10/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Due to covid there arent many in person currently, however there is always networking opportunities such as games or coffee calls etc. The company usually has events you can join. When I'm not working I'll relax or watch my Netflix show or something along those lines. Theres lots to do

10/10

9a. Would you recommend IBM to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

It's a great company to work for, you are proud to work for them and everything they stand for. The company always supports you and wants you to do your best. As well as this there is so much opportunity to progress in the business and progress in your career

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?

Be unapologetically yourself as I think that helped me get in. I took a little book of some programming I'd done eg screenshots of the UI, to help them understand my skills and show off a little bit. IBM just want to know who you are, you don't need any prior skills you just have to be teachable.