Technical Solutions Specialist Review

by IBM

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7.2/10

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

I am currently on a Deskside Support role for the Technical Infrastructure Group within Telefonica. Providing front line support to IBM Telefonica project. Day to day support of 300+ servers in Warwick and 80+ in Hursley, which are both AIX and Windows, and associated tasks to keep the IBM users working. Tasks include User ID management, software installation and recording, patch management, Tivoli Storage Manager daily back ups, service request management and fix.

6/10

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

Yes, I have been on 2 non-essential courses over the last 6 months. On for AIX 6 Basics and the other for Java SE 6 Programming Fundamentals. As well as this I have been on 2 essential training courses, Blue Squadron and Foundation skills in a project environment.

8/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I feel I am always learning new things, and when this starts to slow IBM are very good at following up with a new role to keep you learning. The teams are friendly and helpful, but in the same respect they treat you as an employee and expect you to do your job. I really enjoy the scheme

8/10

4. How valued do you feel by IBM?

Yes, we are encouraged to develop our careers and put ourselves in a good position for when we leave foundation. I have regular reviews with my Personal Development Manager. As previously said you are treated as an employee and therefore have similar opportunities to get involved. For example with innovation and personal ideas.

8/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

My manager regularly meets with me to discuss how things are going and how to best move my career forward in the direction I would like to take. I have revived lots of training to help my knowledge and skill levels increase.

8/10

6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?

When I have wanted support with things within the apprenticeship I have not had any trouble getting that. I was provided with many contacts for support, both within my role and within the apprenticeship.

9/10

6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?

There is a lot of support available, however we are also encouraged to work through situations as best we can, to to develop skills and ability for the same issue in the future.

8/10

7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?

At the moment living is hard, however I have not been here long enough yet to have a pay rise. I am sure when these opportunities arise it will get easier.

5/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

There is a giveback system which involves many voluntary opportunities with schools and colleges. Also there are many events organised within foundation, with interesting guest speakers.

6/10

9. Would you recommend IBM to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Its a huge company and yet you do not feel small within it. There is a lot of room to grow and progress your career.

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

Be honest with what you want from the scheme, and where you want to go. From this they can better help you from the start.