Technology Apprentice Review

I am currently one of the 'Technology Apprentices' within Fidelity. I have been placed within the Retail Business Support department where I am required to carry out a number of different roles. I have only been here since September 2015 so I am yet to start with undergoing several responsibilities, however some of the current tasks that I have been assigned involved Software and Web Development. This involves programming where I would help with developing the current software that we have in place at Fidelity, such as the new Client Services Desktop which helps the call centre staff when dealing with customers. Day-to-day as a team, we would work on different areas of its structure to improve its development.

Due to the role that I have been placed in at Fidelity, I am required to use knowledge of computer programming languages such as Java and HTML. During my apprenticeship I am required to travel to training centres where I have received certified training and help before undertaking exams on these language subjects. Before starting the apprenticeship I only had a small limited knowledge of these languages. These courses and the support of those within my team has proved invaluable, allowing me to develop and improve my knowledge and skills in these areas hugely.

I am really enjoying the apprenticeship programme here at Fidelity and I am relishing the opportunities that I have been given. Completing the programme involves communicating and working with various teams/people around the organisation and I am learning a lot from everyone. The training that is provided has been so useful for my development and I am looking forward to my last upcoming exam that I am required to complete. Fidelity offer such a fantastic programme with full support and guidance along the way which is why I would highly recommend it to anyone around the same age interested in this industry.

Gaining a role at Fidelity includes various challenging stages, including telephone interviews and assessment days which must be completed before being considered for a position. Therefore being selected by Fidelity for an apprenticeship roles makes you feel highly valued and appreciated, being given a role within a world renowned company. During my apprenticeship I have also felt highly valued, receiving full support and guidance from those around me whenever I may require it, ranging from helping me with the systems we have in place to discussing any queries that I may have in regards to my job role.

I feel that a lot of time and preparation has gone into the structure behind my apprenticeship programme. This involves organising the team and role that I have been placed in, the course that I have been placed on which further includes the assessor that I have and other factors such as the training centre that I attend. I feel all of these factors have been completed well and have allowed both myself and other apprentices within Fidelity to grow and develop within their roles.

QA as my training provider are always available whenever you may require support or assistance in different situations. Whenever my assessor comes into the workplace to check up on my progress, they provide full support and encouragement in terms of helping me develop within my job role. Also when on training courses, the tutors are fully supportive when it comes to exams, providing all the assistance and help that I may require.

My employer also provides as much support as required. At Fidelity there are numerous HR contacts which you can contact in various different ways, for example by email, instant messenger or by phone if you require their assistance. Members of my team including my line manager are also there for me if I require any help. This may be for example in the form of helping me with my job role, again allowing me to improve and develop within my role.

Fidelity offer a fantastic, competitive salary that beats most other company's out there also offering the same apprenticeship programmes. Being an employee at this company also includes a number of other benefits such as various discounts on different high-street retailers which can save a lot of money for me as an individual. I am extremely satisfied with the current salary that I am receiving which will be increasing each year within the programme if I am to become successful within my role.

There are various opportunities for Fidelity employees outside of work, with some including joining the staff Football Team, participating in Zumba classes ran by Fidelity employees themselves and taking part in the fitness classes sometimes ran at lunchtimes.

Yes

I was recommended myself to Fidelity by another friend and I am so glad and happy that they did. I would definitely recommend other friends myself to Fidelity as I feel it is a great world renowned company with fantastic opportunities. Fidelity also takes the greatest care for its employees as well as offering fantastic benefits both inside and outside of work.

Fidelity is a company that offers various fantastic roles and opportunities throughout the company. To anyone applying to Fidelity, I would recommend that they make it clear to the recruitment team that they are hardworking and passionate about working hard within the workplace as this will definitely prompt interests to areas of the company looking to recruit new members of staff.