Service Manager Review

I have client and internal calls every day, keeping everyone up to date with how the services are and any changes that may be ongoing or taking place in the near future. I maintain relationships whilst developing my limited technical knowledge. It is a lot of calls and report writing.

I have learnt so many skills. I moved to this role 2 months ago and already have a vast amount of knowledge I never knew. I came into this role with no technical knowledge after studying philosophy, history and sociology at A-level. I already have more knowledge and experience than I thought I would ever get.

I am enjoying the programme very much. I am both treated as an apprentice and am not treated as an apprentice. When I need help or advice people are very understanding that I am new to the industry and are more than willing to help me. I am also given the same work as a 'proper' employee. You aren't doing the work no one wants to do because it is boring, you're doing the same work as everyone else.

I am pushed along the programme at the proper pace. I have monthly meetings with my foundation manager where we track my progress to ensure I am not falling behind and have education courses every month or so to assist in gaining more knowledge and knowing what to put in my end portfolio.

I receive amazing support from my employer. With my task manager I have monthly meetings to track my progress and answer any questions or concerns I may have. I also have monthly meetings with my task manager who over sees my daily work. I have plenty of opportunities to tell someone if I need help.

There is a lot of help in regards to gaining your qualification. I am actively encouraged and tracked on my progress with self learning as well as having to attend mandatory courses every month. They have found the areas that people have a harder time learning and ensure everyone has all the information they need to be able to pass the end assessment.

I have a better theoretical knowledge. As I am learning as I am working, my skills are constantly being put to use as I learn them which is very helpful with remembering how to use them. Every skill I have learnt so far has been put to use. It is very helpful

There are plenty of activities and communties outside of work. There are committees that organise social events, sports teams and games rooms (in Hursley) that allow you to focus on something enjoyable outside of work. There are open channels to find opportunities to join a committee or team outside of work.

Yes

With the knowledge I now have, if I was given the opportunity to go back and change who I complete my apprenticeship with, I would still go with IBM. There is nothing I can say negatively about the company. The way everyone works and the culture are very supportive and inclusive.

My worry was that I am not very technical. I thought I wouldn't get the job because it is a technology company. I am now an IT applicant specialist. They hire you because they like you, your work ethic and your values. If you will be a good fit with the culture then they will be more than willing to train you.