IT Higher Degree Apprentice Review

I am an IT Higher Degree Apprentice, my daily tasks include working on the service desk, providing IT services to all users on site. This can be anything from supplying a new keyboard to helping with SQL code. I am currently managing a new printer rollout on site. I have responsibilities such as being the 5's for IT, which means checking the offices around site for cleanliness and organisation.

I recently participated in a ownership culture feedback workshop internally onsite. I have learnt lots of new professional skills such as leadership. I have also learnt how to present in front of customers, which means I have to be confident and professional. Personally I feel as though I have learnt life lessons from working here such as how others should be treated and have a professional vibe that can be presented outside of work.

I love the team I work for, we are only small but we are like a family. The companies culture is excellent and they treat their employees fairly and with the upmost respect. They do this by offering things such as the suggestions scheme and Champions scheme which gives employees the opportunity to be given vouchers. I previously worked for Siemens on Work Experience several years ago and when this opportunity arose last summer I took it with both hands as it an amazing opportunity. Siemens is a great company and just from working here 10 months has offered me a wealth of opportunity and challenges.

My manager and my senior manger regularly have 1 2 1 meetings with me, where they give me feedback on what I have been doing. All the time I am getting positive feedback and both my Manager and Senior Manger give me lots of appreciation. They also do this by putting me up for Champions awards. Internally I have been shown on the Team Brief presentation for some of things I have done, this Team Brief presentation is shown in team meetings across site. This made me feel empowered. Externally I was nominated for the Rising Star of the Year Award 2018, unfortunately I didn't win this year but this made me feel appreciated and wanted within the business because I was nominated for such a great award. I am regularly involved in projects and tasks on site which gives me a purpose and makes me feel great.

The induction at Siemens was great, we came in on the Friday to learn about the site and then went on a training course for a week learning about the other new apprentices across Siemens UK. If I need support with anything Siemens supplies it be it time with my manager or someone else within the team. It was agreed that every Thursday I would work from University to do my Uni work. Siemens didn't have much knowledge on the new Degree Scheme as this is the first year they have worked with Staffs Uni for such a thing therefore there were a few hiccups at the start.

During the first term at Staffs Uni there were lots of problems including: • Lecturers not attending lectures. E.g. Thursday 22nd March 2018 – Which webinar was this and was there any communication as to why this was the case? In future raise immediate with Dave and Janet. • Not replying to emails – having to put read receipts (understanding they are busy) – Lecturers should have time for this so we will investigate this also. Recognised that e-mail is the only form of communication with External Students so this will be taken seriously. Can arrange to see Janet any time although this needs preparation, if you want to see the lecturers. Wednesday afternoon would be a good time as they don’t have lectures (however this needs to be checked in advance) • Lecturers are always cancelling and re-arranging lectures – Do you have examples of this so we can investigate? Currently have sickness issues however this is not an excuse, we will follow this up strongly as this is not acceptable. Again please raise with Dave and Janet when this happens again. • Quality of the lectures is poor (sound) – This should be resolved now as this was highlighted by other students (one lecturer had a broken Microphone so has an external microphone now – please feedback if this is not the case). Regarding future improvements to delivery, again please highlight suggestions to Janet or in appropriate meetings. • Assignments aren’t clear and precise (spending more time trying to understand what they want) - This can be investigated if we have examples however this could also be because at Degree level we are challenging candidates to learn and research so assignments are written to be vague to allow candidates time to think and put their thoughts to paper (i.e. there isn’t always a right answer). We can discuss this further in our meeting in future. • Assignments have lots of errors in (It is as though they were written in 5 minutes) – Some examples are Computer Arch processor was written as (2.4Mhz) When you did research the actual processor was (2.4Ghz). Also the networking assignment had issues with IP addresses. This is a different issue to above, this is a quality issue. Internal moderation procedure have been reviewed and there is now a moderation team to tackle these issues and to help improve the standards of assignment writing going forward. • We also don’t have parking permits, which makes it hard for when going to site – we should have a permit in order for us to go to the library and visit the uni. Permanent parking permits are available for £60, external candidates can obtain free temporary permits on a week by week basis by contacting Janet. Janet puts holidays on her e-mail footer so it is visible when you will be unavailable but also will try to include a back up for when not available. Since the feedback from the Uni things have changed... but still Lecturers don't turn up.

My Manager supports me in every way he can. I don't have a mentor at present, but I am working towards asking somebody to be one. Siemens offers a great service of which you can ring up a help line an speak to someone about any problems you have (personal) such as finance problems and grieving.

At present I cannot afford to move out of my parents due to my salary. I believe that Higher Degree Apprenticeships should be better paid as we are studying a full time degree as well as working full time. I don't pay much in travel costs as I only live in the next town. I don't buy lunch that often out of the canteen as it is expensive. All in all Siemens could pay around 19,000 starting for apprentices.

Siemens offers lots of differnet opportunities outside of work, including company events such as Awards/Futureland/ Confrences etc... We also do things such as volunteering in the local schools and out in the community. There are small groups of people that go out regularly and socialise and a team that plays football one night after work. There is also the work/social group? that go on regular trips for a small fee a month.

Yes

Siemens is a great global company that offers amazing opportunities to all of its employees. I work in a lovely environment of which I am happy coming into work, whereas in previous jobs I have dreaded stepping foot in the door. Siemens makes you feel valued and empowered. All the schemes that are run help apprentices gain experience and knowledge and also gain rewards such as vouchers.

100% complete work experience!! I did this and it helped me get back in the Siemens on the Apprenticeship scheme. Create a Linkedn profile to help show off your skills and will also help you meet people before you start. Be truthful on your application... apply if you are really determined and want a good career! The on boarding process is long and tiring but it is worth it all in the end, so just bare with it!