UAM Junior Systems Administrator Review

My official job title is a UAM Junior Systems Administrator - however my role mainly revolves around application packaging for the UAM Team. Day to day I create customized software packages for various clients, whilst abiding by UAM standards. I am responsible for these application packages going through our own lifecycle and pass quality checks to ensure packages are at the highest of standard. I have recently been involved in a project uplifting old applications from Windows 8 to Windows 10 for one particular client involving over 200 applications.

From my year apprenticeship I have fortunately gained a variety of qualifications. This includes becoming a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) in Operating Systems, Networking, Security and Windows Server. These courses were done externally through QA Apprenticeships. Along side this we did a Systems and Networking Level 3 and also sat a BCS exam in Software Testing. Overall - I've also gauged an idea of how to work co-operatively with other employees in a working environment and have advanced my skills within various pieces of software which are required to do my role. This includes things such as InstallShield and Orca.

I thoroughly enjoyed my apprenticeship, a lot more than I thought it was. I think this mainly came down to the people I was surrounded by at the time. Joining the apprenticeship scheme along side 9 others in the same team who were all of a similar age helped massively as we were able to get through and issues we had together. We were also surrounded by lots of experienced individuals which was also a huge benefit.

I feel very valued after completing my apprenticeship. I was fortunate enough to be awarded Apprentice of the Year by Atos across the whole of the UK which is a grand achievement. This included a lot of recognition by the company and was invited to London to Interview and chat with the CEO of the UK&I which was a great experience. I have also received great feedback and appreciation from those that mentored and managed me during my time in the apprenticeship.

I thought that the programme was very well structured internally - and mainly came down to our mentor and manager at the time for how well we were managed over the year. This included support when learning our job roles and also studying for exams and helping with Client work. I found that the external courses done by QA were slightly less organized however provided me with everything I needed so cant really complain. We were thoroughly trained to do our job role and to an extent of great detail which is a great bonus.

From our external tutor there wasn't too much contact face to face other than 1 to 1 meetings every month. The issue with this however was that he would often be ill or unable to attend on occasions so felt like ages until we met them again. Despite this - our external tutor from QA was always happy and on hand to answer queries in regards to our programme or issues we were having.

I feel as though we received a huge amount of support from my employer. Our personal mentor which mentored all 10 apprentices including myself was a great teacher when it came to learning our job roles and teaching the in depth technical parts of our role. He was very enthusiastic and was passionate about the scheme which really helped us push ourselves to do our best for him. Our employer was very approachable if any problems were encountered and always was able to pass us onto the necessary person when it came to specific queries.

For someone living at home and being a 5 minute train journey away from work, although the starting salary was low - it was manageable. After 6 months we were given an additional pay rise, and then another pay rise after we passed the apprenticeship. At the current moment my salary covers all my costs, and have managed to afford to buy and pay for my own car. By no means is my current salary amazing, I still feel as though it is low in comparison to how much money the company makes. I can't really complain as of yet though as it has only been a year since my last pay rise and appreciate the opportunity which has been given to me.

Outside of work there isn't too much going off in terms of being involved in work. If there is - then it definitely hasn't been highlighted or made aware to us of these kinds of opportunities. However in the grand scheme of things I don't think this is a huge deal. When not working I mainly took my chance to relax and spend time with family and friends.

Yes

It's a huge global IT Services which is very employee aware. There are various opportunities to take advantage of and many areas of the company to move around. It is a very flexible company when it comes to suiting its employees whilst also ensuring to meet the needs of its client and exceed expectation.

Be Yourself - Although very cliché, it definitely applies. Atos aren't looking for the smartest, most tech savvy individuals. If you have good personality and show willingness to be able to learn - that's the main thing they look for. I would personally have liked to be told not to be as afraid of the working world as it really isn't that bad as made out by adults!