Advanced apprentice Review

My title is advanced apprentice. I've just started in December so I'm still learning. My daily tasks involve granting and extending access controls and working with SQL. I work within a team of 6 so there is no shortage of support and advice available.

I had no real ICT knowledge or experience before starting this apprenticeship (other than basic end user knowledge most people have). Since starting I have completed my first Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification and I am on course to complete another 4/5 within my apprenticeship.

I attend college one day a week and so far I've learned a lot. I think this is probably something I should have done instead of going to university (it would be nice not to have all that debt!). I appreciate being able to get Microsoft accreditations within this course as I feel they are much better recognised than other qualifications. The team I work in have been very welcoming and supportive, its a nice place to work. I also get a lot of time to work on my course assignments which is great.

Since the course I attend is over 1.5hrs away I can take a half day during the week to allow for this travelling time. I had not expected this and it really helps. The apprenticeship program within Fujitsu has been used now for a number of years and its great to see former apprentices moving to higher roles within the company as I hope to. My manager is extremely approachable, as is my team. Allow I've only recently started I am well settled and that is testament to their support.

So far within my course, I feel it could be a bit better organised. For example, the induction took place over 3 days when in reality it could have been done in 1 and the course material started sooner. As our course started later in the year than usual we had less time to prepare for the first MTA exam. I felt a little under pressure as I had little to no knowledge in the area and wanted to get started sooner. I am fortunate that I have time within my working day to complete course assignments and there are other apprentices and former apprentices within my team that I can speak to about assignments and exams.

Luckily I have not had any problems to discuss with my tutors however they are very approachable and I know I could discuss problems with them if needed.

My employer gives my time to complete assignments, time off for travel, expenses for travel and encourages a supportive atmosphere. They also provide an apprenticeship coordinator who I can contact at any time. The level of support is excellent.

I have not had trouble meeting my costs however this may be because I can also rely upon my husbands income. The travelling allowance is essential in allowing me to attend my college days and I am very my looking forward to my increase in salary on completion of my first year.

Fujitsu supports many charities and allow staff to take a day off a year to work with their own chosen charity. The location I am based in provides access to a gym and many different places to chose for lunch.

Yes

I had always regretted not choosing to study ICT at school and instead pursued a career I ultimately disliked. The apprenticeship program Fujitsu provided has given me the chance to pursue these qualifications and in my home town. Also since I'm 29 I would not usually have qualified for an apprenticeship but Fujitsu saw through that and gave me this chance to go for the career I really want.

My advice would be to really prepare. If this is the position you want, then go for it. In previous interviews for other opportunities I did prepare but when applying for this position I spent extra time. I spoke to employees to find out what they thought of the company, I researched questions online and wrote out sample answers. Do your homework!