Rating
- 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
- 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
- 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
- 4. How well organised/structured is your programme?
- 5. How much support do you receive from your employer?
- 6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
- 7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
- 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.)
- 9a. Would you recommend IBM to a friend?
- 9b. Why?
- 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?
My role includes the business aspect of the project. I regularly hold meetings with clients and stakeholders to get a feel of how they think about the product and what improvements can be made. I also aid in the technical side by picking up tickets and coding with javascript for web development..
I have picked up an array of skills. I was initially new to web development and I have had plenty of situations in which I was able to exercise my newfound knowledge. I also learnt how best to conduct myself with stakeholders, what questions to ask, how to build rapport amongst other things.
I enjoy the 80/20 split immensely and I feel as though it is the most optimal way for me to thrive as an apprentice. I am able to learn the theory and socialise with peers at university then practice it in real time at work. This solidifies the information learnt.
It is extremely well structured. From the uni perspective, the course is detail is concise and ties in well with what I do at work. The help offered from both IBM and university allows me remain organised and committed. I have meetings with my skills coach in order to ensure I can get any help I need.
There are multiple facets in which I can receive support here at IBM. I have an apprentice buddy more experience than I, who I can go to for any queries. I also regularly contact my foundation and task manager. There are many apprentice slack channels we can write questions in
There is a lot of support offered at Manchester metropolitan university. Firstly, the lecturers answer any questions and queries in the lab. If I have a question or need something else, I email them and they reply within the day with a detailed explanation. I also have meetings with my skills coach. They ensure i meet my KSB's and hit all the targets required.
Studying as a degree apprentice has proved to be the most optimal way for me to unlock my potential. I am able to learn the theory and socialise with peers at university then practice it in real time at work. This solidifies the information learnt as I can implement it on a daily basis.
I have had many opportunities to give back to the community and get involved in extra-curricular activities. I have partaken in a volunteering opportunity where we organised and packed up clothes for the less fortunate. I did a lecture for first year uni students on the pathways IBM offers to them.
Yes
IBM exceeds expectations when it comes to being a training provider. I feel intellectually stimulated daily with my job. There is also a very encouraging work culture. I feel as though I can contact anyone for help. It is a flat hierarchy and everyone here is contributing to the same goal of handing in good quality work.
The most important piece of advice is to be yourself. IBM is looking for individuality. Make yourself stand out in the application process. I would also recommend to familiarize yourself with IBM's values and it history. You should read up on what big thing the company is working on too.
Details
Degree Apprenticeship
Software Engineering
Manchester
April 2024