AIX Support Apprentice Review

Currently in my role as an apprentice I work in an AIX Software Support Centre as a support specialist. I handle and resolve customer issues that we receive as support calls. I have previously been responsible for management of our support queues, on which calls are kept. I have also had on-site customer experience as part of a support account.

During my time so far in my apprenticeship I have developed skills in AIX and with UNIX operating systems as a whole. I have developed an understanding of the support process, of operating system shell scripting, and of server hardware. I have also gained an ITIL qualification. General skills such as emailing and word processing have also improved.

So far I enjoy the increased responsibility I am gaining in my team. My team members are very supportive. I am meeting my own expectations and exceeding them in some places too. I enjoy the variety of events, tasks and experiences I have been involved with and enjoy the work and help i get from my supervisor and the relationships i have built with other students.

I feel that my contribution, relative to my experience level, is appreciated and recognised by the team, and I have had specific achievements that have notably raised my reputation beyond my immediate team too. I have also gained positive feedback from external customers I have worked with through email and also on feedback reports too.

My apprenticeship programme is generally well-structured, and at any given point I have a good idea of my progress, where I am heading and where I fit into the 'Foundation' hierarchy. Whilst some education and progress plans I have encountered are occasionally outdated or found to be incomplete or misaligned with my role requirements, most of these issues are resolved and clarified satisfactorily by management. The quality of the training is high, the induction was comprehensive (if slightly intense), and I have regular meetings and interactions with managers and mentors.

I receive consistent support and guidance from my managers, team leaders and mentors, and have rarely been unable to find guidance or support when I have an issue. Support beyond basic, objective guidance through the apprenticeship programme and the organisation's processes often has to be proactively sought, and this is symptomatic of the attitude that we are to be both confident and semi-independent as 'Foundation' professionals.

My employer/supervisors give me feedback wherever possible and also carry out checks once a fortnight so i understand the ways to better myself. I know that my team also help me in my work whenever they can and if they feel i need the extra support too. I am encouraged to ask for any help without worry so i feel more comfortable in my current role too.

I live independently close to my place of work, and my current salary allows me to sustain myself - my living costs are becoming more comfortable, and an expectation of salary progression proportionate to my development as a professional means I do not have major concerns about this changing for the worse. My daily and social costs are rarely an issue, though nor are they excessive. Costs for travel are not a problem for me.

As part of the scheme, we are expected and invited to engage on 'giveback' voluntary work, and there are several events arranged by the organisation with 'social' facets. Outside of work, I have good opportunities to socialise, although my lifestyle is often hectic as a result of having a full-time job, which is a very different situation to that I would otherwise experience at University or if unemployed.

Yes

There are good opportunities to develop a career in business/industry and to begin an independent life. The job roles can be varied so there's usually something for everyone here but if you're interested in business management i think most of the work will be enjoyable anyway. The salary is fairly decent especially since apprenticeship wages are so low and this can increase as you work your way through the business too.

To expect to be pushed and to be overwhelmed early on, to be proactive in tackling the lengthy application process and be prepared to raise issues (both during the application process and as part of your job) and to commit a lot of time and energy to the 'onboarding' process. Enjoy the whole process though and even if you don't get a placement at IBM, make notes of how to improve your interviewing skills for next time and learn from the experience.