Consulting Review

The consulting apprenticeship combined formal training with practical, hands-on experience in live development environments. The programme started with a week-long induction that provided me with a solid grounding in business and technology consultancy, as well as valuable commercial skills. After week one, I started working on a project. I was not just shadowing others: I was a fully-fledged team member right from the start, making a tangible impact.More specifically, I was helping to roll out Windows 7 for one of the company's clients. I traveled to different places making sure everything runs smoothly, sorted out data-related issues and even ran some of the deployments. I was also working on RAM upgrades. I audited resources, ensured that users are engaged and sorted out any issues. I frequently visit the sites in person, especially the larger ones, to ensure that the company's clients are satisfied.

I have gained a number of incredible skills, which will make a big difference in my career. I gained skills including analytical and creative skills, communication, collaboration and people sills, logical thinking and problem solving skills, as well as discipline and motivation. Additionally, I learnt how to work well under pressure and refined my leadership and technical skills.

I enjoyed every single part of my apprenticeship programme. I did not know what to expect at the beginning; however, I have really enjoyed every part of the programme starting from the work I was doing to the clients and colleagues I was working with. I have also got along really well with other fellow apprentices, I have met many new people and have found myself attending various events with team members and other apprentices.

I felt extremely valued by Accenture as I believed that the company values it's employees and provides a number of great benefits including great holiday allowance, life assurance, private healthcare, holiday and travel discounts, critical illness cover, etc. I also felt valued within my department as I have been invited to many department-only night outs, Christmas celebration, holiday parties.

The programme is quite well organised; when joining you get to know a lot of details about the company, what you will be doing, what is planned for you, and where you will go from there. The training was really good, and I have learned a lot. There is plenty of support available. Ultimately, the programme is well-organized because there is also a lot of support provided in your own team, and you can learn a lot when asking questions and seeking help. In general, people in Accenture are always willing to assist you.

My "Buddy" gave a lot of support as she took me through what needed to be done and gave me deadlines as well as documents to assist me with and important learning websites/sources. She marked my work giving me feedback on where I can improve and was always happy to help when we I had questions to ask. I submitted my work via BlackBoard where the tutor looked at it and gave me a mark and feedback. The tutor always seemed willing to help. Finally, I had frequent meetings with my team lead to discuss various problems or anything I wanted to inquire.

I received a significantly huge amount of support from my employer. From the start, I had a "buddy" who provided expert advice whenever I needed it. I learned about the project I had been assigned to, which was in a consulting workforce. General company's attitude towards supporting me was positive. Whenever I needed assistance and advice I could always contact my supervisor – whether it was related to testing software, undertaking research, compiling reports or analysing complex information.

I had to move to London, and I do not earn enough to cover my accommodation, travel and maintenance. Therefore, I was living off my savings. Travel costs were however discounted with an apprentice oyster card. At the end of the day I do not have much money to go out on weekends and enjoy many social activities, or plan a holiday. However, I believe that this programme will strengthen my skills, and open a door to a successful career in the future.

There are few opportunities to take part in outside of work when working for Accenture. I have attended few nights out with my team celebrating one person leaving. Furthermore, there are a number of events where each Accenture employee have a chance to socialise and participate in various activities. Also, there is a Christmas party happening every year, which attracts many employees.

Yes

Accenture is a great company to work for as they provide so many opportunities and benefits to their employees. Benefits include competitive pro rata salary, relocation allowance, generous holiday allowance, subsidized gym membership, a personal laptop. In addition to this, this apprenticeship offers an opportunity for young people to gain invaluable work experience and strengthen their skills and knowledge in different areas.

If you want to participate in this programme, you need to be a strong communicator with great organisational skills and a real passion for Information Technology. During the interview, you need to demonstrate a strong interest in wanting to know more about how technology can make a real difference to business.