IT Delivery Support Officer Review

I am an IT Delivery Support Officer. My day to day tasks involve managing meetings with large IT Suppliers, managing projects, and creating and reviewing plans to implment new technologies. In a project management role, you are definitely part of a large team and I interact daily with staff of all grades and experience. I also interect with all grades of staff from our suppliers, and other stakeholders.

I am working towards a level 4 NVQ and a HNC in Business Administration, as well as being constantly on 'on the job' training courses in all things generally related to any role in the Civil Service. Professional skills wise, I have picked up a good understanding of business (HMRC!!) jargon.

It can vary. I am definitely not an IT person, so I am not well suited to my role and often struggle to understand, or be interested in, the IT side. However, being project management, that doesn't really matter and it all counts towards development. I also have very little trust in the scheme to actually provide me with a qualification on time, if at all. After that, I worry about transferability to other employers - even within the Civil Service, I seem limited by not having a degree (which they don't tell you before you join). Team wise, I get on well with all my team and they are all very friendly and supportive. I work closely with a few other Apprentices, and so I don't feel like I have no one to connect with.

By HMRC, I don't feel all that valued. I have learnt not to say that I am an Apprentice, and my manager has learnt not to intoduce me as such because it just means staff members tend to skip over you as you are seen as unimportant. However, by my local team, I feel very valued. I feel that they understand that I am Apprentice, but also a full time employee who does important work like any other person of my level - they also know that I work above my grade as part of my development.

It's not, is the short answer. Capita, who provide the qualification, have been the absolute worst. They have caused me so much irritation and annoyance, and it is extremely demotivating. Now the qualification has started, it is a little less painful and the new staff they have hired seem effective - although this is debated amongst Apprentices, my experience has been good with the new Assessors.

Again, at first, none. I'd wait weeks for replies to emails, and I would have my assessor turn up a few hours late and not apologise for it. However, as said before, the new assessors seem much better. I have asked a few questions for assignment clarification, and got a reply within one or two days.

All the support I need. I am often out of the office on training days or study leave, and my manager understands this fully and allows it where ever possible. This allows me to fully concentrate on my qualification work, even when the projects we manage are busy.

The pay is excellent. London is expensive to live in however, I travel from zone 1 - 6 and it is £7 just for the morning train. The salary is very good for the age group they employ as Apprentices, and it is possible to fully support yourself on this amount.

There are a few societies, and a gym in most buildings, however, I do not get time to attend any of these. We have a few social events here and there, which is a nice opportunity to meet other apprentices, socialise and act our age!

Yes

HMRC is an especially good employer of Apprentices, and depending on the person, they would probably make a strong alternative to University.

Don't be afraid to ask questions during the group exercise.