Degree Apprentice Review

job title - applications consultant daily tasks revolve around management, mainly test and project management. This can involve speaking with the team and client to make sure progression is being made, or handling the defect management process. internally i speak with several people who are on the same course as me, i tend to speak with senior people to get my daily tasks complete. Also using my network to provide support where needed. As a consultant I move from project to project across the country, they can last from 3 months up-to a year or more.

There have been training courses which i wanted to do last year, but have just got around to booking them in due to uni and work commitments. in terms of qualifications i have been preparing to go for my certification as soon as possible. since joining i have improved several skills such as communication and presenting to groups of people, the most important is how to interact with clients and manage their expectations.

the work is very engaging, i feel as though i do make a valuable contribution to the projects i have been on, working well with the team is important as you will be with them until the project is complete or whenever you are meant to role off. The company culture is great, we will try to get everyone involved in activities such as going for dinner and holding monthly events to boost morale and take the mind off work for an evening. i believe Cap has exceeded my expectations as i enjoy it very much.

the structure that cap has in place does allow for recognition from senior staff, managers are able to give feedback and give a appreciation award through a system called 'applaud'. clients to give feedback where they feel it is due, this would i either go to the project manager or the person who is being praised. Even as an apprentice my suggestions are heard and used in some cases, this makes me feel like im valued and i do play a role in the project.

the programme is structured well, it may need more governance to make sure the standard doesnt drop as we progress through the course. induction gives a good image of how things are going to be, clear and direct. how the course will be play out is important in terms of what support will be provided, how the studying will work around work. it has been made clear who to speak with when trying to query anything about the scheme and how to get any improvements made.

the training provider could improve on alot, firstly making sure that the time we spend with them in lectures and on-campus days should be utilized to the maximum. the attitude from their side has improved but it still needs some work to make it better. we are able to get support material from the uni website which is provided by the lecturer of the module.

there is alot of support in place to help us succeed in our roles, when needed people from HR are on hand to speak and assist where needed. my reviewer sort of asks like my mentor, giving me guidance on how to improve my skills and what training i should be looking into. the only downside with this is that he is not always able to speak face to face, this isnt the end of the world but it makes a difference.

in terms of salary i think the progression is good, as it depends on the performance of the person. If i was to exceed my objectives and receive great feedback from people on the project or clients, it would lead to pay rises and or promotions quicker than the expected rate. in terms of living costs and travel my salary is covering them fairly well as well as my social costs.

There are several different events outside of work, this can also depend on the project i am on. some people like to go to the gym in the evening together and then do dinner. in the past there has been events such as football and badminton every couple weeks. in terms of company events there have been several apprentice nights, where we have a catch up and socialize this is key as it allows us to network with others who are in the same boat.

Yes

Capgemini offer a range of different roles, if one doesnt fit very well with the person they are able to move about, this is dependent on if the specific role is available at the time. The people who are part of Cap are very welcoming and supporting, they will help progress your career in terms of gaining hands on experience and gain industry known certification.

Make sure your CV is up to date, include all that you believe they need to know about you, in terms of the interviews just be natural and ask any questions you need to. the assessment day you should just be yourself, enjoy the day and give it 110%. during the onboarding process try to network as much as possible the people you meet there are on the same journey as you, later on they may be able to support you in certain situation as they may have already gone through them.