Test Engineering New Associate Review

I am an Accenture apprentice, aligned to the test capability. I am currently working away from my home office of Newcastle on an exciting project on the Rolls-Royce account in Derby testing a system for maintenance of engines. This involves writing test cases then executing them as well as tracking defects to be fixed.

While working at Accenture i have learned quite a few skills, some of which include: Basic technical skills Testing skills Scrum skills I have also developed pre-existing skills, including: Communication skills Team working skills Interpersonal skills Also, i have gained experience of being in a work environment and working in a professional team.

My programme is enjoyable as i get a chance to gain a degree while working in a good team. The work is enjoyable as i get to help make a difference to organisations that Accenture do work for such as HMRC, Rolls-Royce etc. The company culture is good too as there are many helpful people ready to help if you get stuck with work.

Within Accenture, as long as you behave in the expected manner and do your job to the best of your ability, you are made to feel valued. You also get many perks as an Accenture employee including Team building nights out, good training courses and room to move within the company. I have also been internally recognized by my past team with performance points which can be used to purchase goods etc.

My programme as a whole has been structured well, with a few difficulties when it comes to college. Starting off, it was very structured as we had a boot camp to learn basic skills then there were opportunities for us to get roles. Further on from this we started college on time and it started of, being structured. We has some issues with college, more importantly exams but all has worked out and i am now at University which feels a lot more structured.

In terms of college and university, the tutors are/were always there to help with any queries. When doing assignments, the tutors are always contactable by email for any questions that we may have. In addition, every week we get the chance to meet up with that on our study day at University for lectures and a chance for us to ask questions we may have.

Accenture specifically are good too as there are career counsellors in place which support you with work related issues. Also, there is a good team of employees that oversee the apprenticeship scheme who are also a go to point for anyway issues, be it work, studies or even general life issues.

Salary is good as it competes with and exceeds the national average for apprentices. In addition, our salary went up before joining and has went up twice since being at Accenture because of realignments. Travel with Accenture is good too as it is all covered by Accenture meaning you can do work from around the country. Location of the offices are good as we can go places for lunch etc. all at reasonable prices.

Within Accenture there are many opportunities outside of work for instance you can join sport teams i.e. Rugby, football etc. and compete during the week at events i.e. touch rugby. There are also many company events such as nights out i.e. Christmas parties, team events including lunches/meals. Volunteering is also an option at local schools to show students that apprenticeships, especially with Accenture, are a good route to go down in life.

Yes

It is a rewarding Apprenticeship and career as you can do work for huge company’s worldwide and make a difference to their organisation and customers. Also, as mentioned above Accenture is a good place to work for out of work events as there is plenty of them allowing members of staff and apprentices to mix and build positive work relationships.

Be confident even if you feel you have not got the experience as Accenture develop their apprentices as employees as well as people and many experiences will come. On assessment days you should be seen to be a good team player and confident in your ability, also speak well as recruiters will want potential apprentices to be able to get there point across effectively. I would have liked to have been told that prior knowledge is not too much of an issue, as long as you show a willingness to learn. As Accenture will not make an apprentice do something they really cannot do.