Cloud Services Apprentice Review

I work within a Cloud Services Team and help the Lines of Business (LoB) move other to the Cloud. I work with Cloud engagement Consultants who work directly with LoB's, Cloud engineers who help with the technical work , Service management to uphold the service standards, Compliance and Governance to make sure the migration is within the policy of WTW and Microsoft.

I have learnt the software development lifecycle, DevOps methodologies and how agile teams work with processes to get tasks done. I have learned coding (Python) and started to learn CI/CD pipelines to help continues integration of workstreams. On top of this, I have gained the Microsoft qualification AZ-900 (Azure fundamentals)

I enjoy the fact that I am gaining qualifications and learning on the job in a new and upcoming industry which I find very interesting after coming from the Army with no technical background. I like learning working with modern processes in agile and DevOps teams, and learning technical skills that work with the Cloud.

We spend round a 2 months on a unit which starts with the foundations, gradually moving onto the next unit which increases the knowledge base. At the beginning off the unit, we will be given material and eLearning to learn, all building up to a residential where we get a lecture on the subject by a SME. This can conclude with a exam and certification which contributes to the Apprenticeship. On top of that, we contribute to a project portfolio, writing up course work on project we do at work throughout the year.

My employer works closely with the training provider to make sure that everything we do at work covers the requirements of the apprenticeship. Work have created a roadmap which will make us go and work with each team learning everything we need to know for work and for the apprenticeship requirements. They also give us Fridays off to study.

We are given a Learning mentor which is assigned to us to give us support throughout the whole apprenticeship. They help us with any questions, guide us with what we need to do and support us when we are going to the residentials. they also make sure we are given the requires support by our employers to be able to complete the course.

My DevOps training helps me by understanding the mindset and culture that my employer works within. It also gives me the technical skills I will need when working in the team and with the Cloud Engineers and help me require Microsoft Azure DevOps certification which is what our Cloud Engineers use to work with Azure.

My work provides meet up for all apprentices within the organisation, having network event and social drinks to make friends and connections. They also do team challenges such a Movember to raise money for charity. We meet up and have lunch in the London office when new apprentices turn up, and have a Friday Bingo before the weekend.

Yes

The employer really values all it apprentices across the organisation, constantly doing events to invest in us and always there for help and guidance. Working within successful teams is the best way to learn and grow, and it makes you settle in quicker knowing you have experts who are willing to help.

Do not shy away and take every opportunity that is given to you. Be brave and nominate yourself to speak and host things you wouldn't do as the organisation gives you a safe and supportive environment to practises and get better. Use all the people as everyone is friendly and willing to give their time