Analyst Programmer Review

I am currently on a project, but in between the tasks I am assigned I get on with coursework that needs to be completed in order to complete my apprenticeship.

I have gone on many training courses learning technical skills such as Java, HTML, SQL and Testing. I have also learnt other skills such as project management. I feel like the training courses are very informative and generally taught to a high standard.

I really like CGI as a company and I enjoy the company of my colleagues as well. I enjoy coming to work and seeing everyone more than I could have expected.

CGI do a great job in making apprentices feel valued. We are treated as any other employee in general, although we are sometimes given slightly longer to get our head round certain tasks. We are pushed to do well and given proper tasks to do, but while still having the safety net in the form of people making sure you are doing a good job and giving you enough time to do it properly.

Our induction did a good job in bringing us into the company. I was given all of the information I needed in order to understand how CGI works and learn all of the company practices such as weekly time sheets and ways of communicating. We were given dates for all of our courses and this meant we were all prepared for when they would be.

We have meetings with QA (our training provider) and in this we discuss any issues and where we are all up to. I have not had any issues that require much support but I do feel that it is available if required.

CGI offer lots of support to us. We have line managers and people managers as well as lots of friendly members of staff who are all ready to help with any issues you may have. The attitude towards support is impressive, with CGI and our training provider both willing to talk about any issues, technical or not, work related or not.

I am in the second year of my apprenticeship and have had a pay increase since I started. I live away from my family home so rent and bills have to be paid for by me as well as food and transport and anything else I want to do or buy. Whilst the first year was a bit tight and required strict budgeting, this year I have enough money to relax a bit more and put more money into my savings. The pay is competitive and is more than I expected to be earning in my second year.

CGI has an Sports and Social Club (SSC). Through the SSC I have been to many events including meals, rugby games, and the theater and taken part in many activities, such as bowling, football, offroad segwaying and clay pigeon shooting. CGI offers these activities at a vastly reduced price at the cost of £5 a month. This £5 a month will be made back in savings incredibly quickly and it is a great way to meet other colleagues as well as being a lot of fun. CGI also holds an annual football tournament giving me the chance to play football in Portugal last year against other CGI teams. This was great fun and the football can be taken as seriously or as light-hearted as you want with a few people thinking of it more as a holiday in Portugal.

Yes

Because the salary is good. The opportunities outside of work are fun and exciting. The skills I have learnt will be invaluable to my career. The company truly seems to value us. The opportunities within work seem exciting.

Don't worry about the assessment day if you have one. It is actually quite fun and not as scary as it sounds. Just prepare for all of your standard interview questions and try to come across as confident and friendly. A willingness to learn is perhaps more important than knowing more at the start so don't worry if the other candidates have more experience than you.