Apprentice DevOps Engineer Review

by Civil Service

Rating

6.8/10

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

I work on an agile delivery team as an Apprentice DevOps Engineer. I ensure that the Carers Allowance website runs smoothly on a day-to-day basis as well as performing releases on a bi-weekly basis. I also work with a Senior DevOps engineer to automate processes and rebuild the service using Docker.

8/10

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

Yes, I have now gained much more hands-on Linux administration experience as well as experience in; Salt, Docker, Supervisord, PostgreSQL etc.

8/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I find the programme interesting and there is lots of potential for progression once my apprenticeship is complete. Not to mention I have met some friends for life.

6/10

4. How valued do you feel by Civil Service?

I feel valued and feel as though I will have a relatively big role to play in the coming years as a DevOps Engineer within the Department. Also, I already feel valued as so much has been invested in me and my peers.

7/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Not very, albeit this is most likely because it is the first time my employer has undertaken an IT apprenticeship and the majority of faults are on behalf of the training provider who have been disorganised to say the least since the start

3/10

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

I now receive support from my training provider but this is only since my Departments Apprenticeship Management has pressed them on their lack of support and guidance throughout the taught courses.

3/10

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

I receieve support from my employer as they ensure that I am learning as much as I possibly can by placing me with experienced DevOps Engineers.

7/10

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

Well paid as I am gaining a Level 4 qualificaion. Excellent in comparison to going to University and being in debt and having no experience in my field whatsoever.

9/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

Lot's of networking within each Department/team both inside and outside of work, informal and formal. For example; Team nights out, team activities, volunteering, HASSRA.

10/10

9. Would you recommend Civil Service to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

It is an organisation which is willing to invest in your future and allow you to progress in which ever field you feel like. It's also a pleasant working environment which focuses on helping the general public.

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

Be prepared to speak confidently about yourself, especially during the interview process/es as the Civil Service work from a competency based interviewing perspective.