Rating

8.4/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • Database Administrator - looking after and maintaining databases for customers, fixing any issues that may arise. Working in a small team with lots of experience who are a great help if I have any questions.

    9/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • Earned an MTA early on in the course, with more available further down the line. Plenty of internal training for SQL Server, which is the software used to manage most of the databases.

    8/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • Working with experienced people has me reassured that help will always be available, everyone is nice and a good laugh. Company culture is all about driving change and trying to be one step ahead of the competition and communication is a big part of this. I had no idea what to expect coming into this programme, but I am enjoying it.

    9/10

  • 4. How valued do you feel by Fujitsu?
  • I have received recognition internally for my involvement in Apprentice related events for Fujitsu. It's nice to received an email thanking you for your work.

    8/10

  • 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • Induction covered the bewildering array of things that Fujitsu does worldwide, and gave me an appreciation of the large apparatus I was about to become a small part of. There has been plenty of training available from the word go, mostly E-Learning courses, but some class based. Plenty of support is available from my team in all matters job related. It feels good to be back in a classroom learning new things again, most of the tutors are good fun and know their subject matter. While I am enjoying learning again, not all of it is entirely relevant to my job, which is rather niche. I have monthly meetings with my assessor who advises me on the progress I'm making in my assignments. My mentor sits next to me in the office so is always available if I have any queries. Tasks are shared equally around the team, but I am focusing on one contract for now to gain some experience before being let loose on the world.

    9/10

  • 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
  • Tutors for the most part are friendly and amiable, with experience outside academia, so they know what the real world is like. Plenty of support is available if you need/want it. They are all interested in seeing us succeed both on the course and at work, which is good to see.

    9/10

  • 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • My manager, mentor and other members of the team are all very invested in seeing me progress and increase my skills to the point where I can hold my own. I am encouraged to be independent in seeking answers to new problems, but the team is always there to help if I need it.

    8/10

  • 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
  • The salary may be low for a full time position within IT to begin with, but it does increase after a year, and if you get a full time position after the 2 year course, is substantially better. The apprentice wage is a world apart from apprentices learning a trade, plumbers, electricians etc. and is much more suitable for living independent of the bank of mum and dad. Location is near the airport, so outside of the city centre, but still good transport links.

    8/10

  • 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
  • Voluntary work for charities is encouraged within the company, especially for apprentices. Going out into the community and assisting others in IT classes at libraries and raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support are just two of the examples I have seen in my short time here. This year, apprentices have been given the opportunity to volunteer to assist in Fujitsu role at 'RAF 100' events, which aim to get young people interested in STEM fields.

    8/10

  • 9. Would you recommend Fujitsu to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • As an employer, they value the skills that you will build over time, the benefits are pretty good and it beats what I was doing before.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Fujitsu?
  • The application process may be long, and HR can take a long time to process your letter of employment, but the interview was much more pleasant than others I had. Just relax and let your personality shine through. There is lots of mandatory training during the onboarding process, and you will be waiting quite a long time on your security clearance before you can do most things, but I like it here.


Details

Level 3 Apprenticeship

Information Technology

Northern Ireland

March 2018


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