Environment and Release Manager Review

Environment and Release manager, Working with PMs and Service managers to organize environment/ network usage, making sure no clashes of work going on and that there are no issues with this from a client point of view. Also run scripts ensuring environments appear as they should and there are no issues with our servers and hence live service.

I recieve an apprenticeship qualification at the end of the apprenticeship, I have gained skills in ITIL (service delivery model) and am scheduled to attend a PRINCE2 course at the end of the month. I have gained confidence, business and networking skills as well as some technical knowledge too.

I enjoy the work I do, there is the opportunity to move around too which is good as it means you cant get too drained by doing just one role. I'd say it meets my expectations well, I feel like a valued member of the team, there have been times where i feel I have been overlooked as I am an apprentice but on the whole I think this culture is very minimal. Overall the programme is rewarding and I'm pleased i made the choice to do the apprenticeship here at IBM

With regards to involvement in project work I feel very valued, I have been given responsibility and have the chance to increase the amount I have by doing good work, I feel like I wouldn't get this at every apprenticeship scheme. With regards to recognition from the company I don't think I get much, but as with every thing you get out what you put in, and i perhaps haven't been the most visible as I've been preoccupied with my work, however there is always the opportunity to put yourself out there more by going giveback.

Structure is good, we have regular residential training courses which are focused towards us improving as professionals these are very beneficial and are mandatory for every apprentice. I now have regular meetings with my manager to discuss apprenticeship work as well as any other issues I might have, I know he's always available as a first point of call should I need it, if not then we have a good HR department too.

I have regular meetings with my manager to run through apprenticeship work, but I have minimal contact with Highbury College as I simply don't need it, I know they are there if I ever needed though. The training courses we go on also help us to complete our qualification so we get all of the support we need.

As much as I need really, if i required more I know there is more there for me, however I like to think of myself as quite independent and i feel as though I dont need support as perhaps other do. I know the team around me, HR and my people manager will support me if I need, when I need.

I have had to move houses and i have to commute every day to and from work and I don't struggle for money at all, I have more than enough and with regular pay rises that increases with time too. For me an apprenticeship scheme is a great alternative to Uni as you gain independence and also have money to do things you want, like save for a house or a car.

There is loads going on at IBM Hursley, it is easy to get involved in interesting pieces of giveback, or in the community surrounding the office. I am a member of the Hursley club, where there is a film night, a private bar and pub style restaurant as well as loads of sporting facilities.

Yes

As I have enjoyed my time here and find it a good place to learn with plenty of opportunity for growth of skills and knowledge.

Be patient as the process takes time, if you know someone in IBM then get in contact with them as they'll more than likely be happy to help a new hire out. There is some uncertainty as to when you'll finally be joining but it is worth the wait.