Rating

8.4/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • As a Test Analyst my job can vary rapidly from Day to Day. Effectively what my role entails is tasking questions many people wouldn't and trying routes that a developer might not think of that could cause bugs (problems) for people using the system. It's the perfect job for people who always ask 'Why' and like to work well with other people to collectively solve problems. I have been fortunate to work away from home for a period of 12 months and travel to the south coast, experiencing a completely different pace of life and different project type of 'Agile'. There is a lot of responsibility that comes with being a Test Analyst as often the chance for a product to be given to the public relies solely on any problems you have/haven't found.

    9/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • Professionally, all Testers are pushed to participate in the ISTQB courses which expand your knowledge and experience to practically apply at work. Internally Capgemini operate their own introductory course which generally breaks the ice for whatever part of the business you go into. As a Tester I have been very fortunate to expand my Communication and Team Working skills primarily, as you are required to talk to Developers about the problems you find as well as explain on different levels to management.

    10/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • The Capgemini culture is why I still come to work today. Subconsciously you feel as though every other employee has similar ambition, drive and passion for their work and really allows you to establish worthwhile working relationships both inside and outside of work. The work itself, really vairies depending on project as Capgemini have a large range of clients but the culture of willing Apprentices' to learn is important to them and hence you can always swap your role if you want to try your hand at something new.

    10/10

  • 4. How valued do you feel by Capgemini?
  • There are two ways for me to approach this question. External recognition of working for a client and out performing can be very prosperous and thought upon well, thus boosting you up for promotions and pay rises. Unfortunately, as travel is often expected of you, you can be thrown into the deep end with little consideration of how it might affect you. Overall, I do feel valued as an individual by my immediate team within Capgemini however it is easy to feel like just another employee within the larger company.

    7/10

  • 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • When first beginning the Degree Apprenticeship you are enrolled on an Accelerated Learning Environment, that is very intense and is aimed to get you up to speed on JAVA, SQL, Python and RUBY. This period is hosted at Aston University and is very un-organised, you feel a little out of touch with Capgemini and as if you have so much to learn with so little time. After this period the structure of the programme is much more organised where you have 2-3 evening lectures to attend weekly on top of additional university content and then every 3 months going on campus to Aston University for lecture days. There is a lot of support from other apprentices' of higher years which can really help you with your studying.

    6/10

  • 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
  • Support from Aston University is both good and bad dependent on the University Module. Tutors of modules often support apprentices' on the side and hence some have a lot of time to create new content for students whereas others are very nonchalant and not interested in doing any more than the minimum required. I would say that having a strong Cohort Representative is key for this, but be prepared for a lot of self-learning.

    7/10

  • 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • The Apprenticeship team are very supportive of the work we do and are always looking for ways to streamline and update their processes. I would have said that there are some things that could be done in terms of management streams to make people more aware of the expectations Apprentices' face outside of work for university but that will only come with more people on the programme.

    8/10

  • 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
  • Very well. I have found that the number one piece of advice for Apprentices is to invest their money in a LISA. This way each month you divide away your living and travel costs along with a reasonable amount for social requirements and start thinking about the future because you'll only start to earn more as you grow in the scheme.

    9/10

  • 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
  • There are as many opportunities to volunteer for Capgemini as you make. As a company they work very closely with a lot of schools and host many insight events for prospective employees. It not only reflects very positively for you as an Apprentice if you do volunteer for these but you gain so many extra life skills as a result that it is more than worth it to participate in the whole range of activities open.

    10/10

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


  • 9b. Why?
  • It has provided so many new and exciting opportunities. I have met some lifelong friends and know that I belong in a company that want to support my progression. If you are serious about not going to University the traditional route or have a real passion for technology then honestly there are no reasons not to join.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Capgemini?
  • The application process is VERY slow. Don't expect instant replies from the recruitment team, try not to get disheartened by this if you are applying, it is simply due to the quantity of applicants they get and should make you feel more privileged if you do get accepted. If you have any questions about being a Capgemini Apprentice either try to go to a career's event they are featuring at, or search on Twitter for some, as Twitter is used as a corporate network where all kinds of Employees demonstrate the brilliant opportunities they are getting up to. Last of all, you don't know what's going to happen until you take that leap of faith, so why not?


Details

Degree Apprenticeship

Information Technology

Telford

April 2018


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