Advanced Apprentice Review

I currently work as part of Fujitsu's Configuration Management team. Configuration Management is the administrative and technical direction, documentation and surveillance of a 'configuration' item - be it physical or software asset. Management of change to a particular process or hardware/software is also managed as part of Configuration Management. My role is largely technical, although my remit covers a wide area of the computing field; from managing server backups, developing new software and providing support to end users. I have just finished the development of a Windows Service designed to interact with two of our databases on a continuous basis. The task was incredibly fun and useful as an education exercise. I taught myself the concept of Object Orientation as well its application as a construct of software development.

As mentioned previously I have gained valuable skills in the C# programming language as part of Microsoft's .NET Framework. This has also led me to learn other technologies such as XML, LINQ, Java and web development technology. I have also attended a course run by Serena - the software house responsible for a piece of Configuration Management software called Dimensions. This is extremely beneficial as it is a widely used a highly specialized software.

The combination of education and employment is both enjoyable and rewarding. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved with other projects, submit your own ideas for projects and take part in other non-work related activities. I have met and made friends with many people thus far at my time with Fujitsu, and am looking forward to further improving my personal and professional network.

Fujitsu clearly places a lot of value with its' employees; this is evident throughout the company culture and incentives (financial and otherwise) as well as its excellent culture with regard to its corporate social responsibility. Communication from management regarding the business area or the company as whole's performance, detailing current financial performance and targets as well as success stories and excellent customer feedback.

The Fujitsu side of the programme is closely managed. I have a training plan detailing courses and activities scheduled

At Fujitsu there is an expansive support network in place to assist with any queries or problems. You are also assigned objectives - both personal and team objectives - which are designed to help you concentrate on specific areas of person and professional growth. Every 6 months your performance is appraised against your objectives, helping you identify any issues with your performance as well as providing you with information on how to better your further improve your work.

The Fujitsu Apprentice salary is a fairly considerable amount above the national minimum wage for apprentices, although it is certainly not enough to sustain independent living. There is a contractual raise written into the contract of £500 every 6 months over the course of the apprenticeship and you are also automatically enrolled into the Sharing in Success bonus program, offering up to 7% of annual salary as bonuses.

There are many event organised by various departments to promote corporate social responsibility.

No

A passion for the IT industry and an eagerness to learn and throw yourself in at the deep end wherever possible. It is a large organisation offering vast career mobility and you will thus be able to carve a career in many fields.