Advanced Apprentice Review

Role: Offerings and Strategic Enablement I assist in the development of Business and Application Services (BAS) within Fujitsu's offerings. This involves the tracking and monitoring of assets and financials, providing input from a 'Generation Y' perspective and helping to shape some of the newer Offerings. I also monitor the team's resourcing. I have interactions with all members of the team; from chief architects, to members of the Regional Leadership Team of UK&I. A typical day is hard to describe as it differs so much - but it would usually involve checking the team's resourcing and speaking to the relevant managers about any problems, providing input and driving innovation into Fujitsu's Digital 2.0 proposition and ensuring the standardisation of our Offerings.

I have completed my Level 3 BTEC and NVQ and am now working towards my level 4. I attended different training course internally, and have developed many personal skills such as communication and presentation skills.

I thoroughly enjoy my role within Fujitsu and feel as though I am adding real value to the team and company; it reaches way beyond my expectations! In terms of the Apprentice scheme within Fujitsu itself and the management of all Apprentices I think it can be improved greatly. There is no standard approach across the Apprentices and the opportunities range depending on who you work for, how long you've been there and where you are based.

I feel really valued by Fujitsu; my input is always encouraged especially for innovation purposes, I have been recognised by the Regional Leadership Team, and they give us the opportunity to become involved in external work and development.

Unfortunately I think this is something that Fujitsu lacks. There is no standardisation or regularity within the Apprenticeship programme which means that there is a strong sense of competition between Apprentices. Sometimes it seems biased who gets given the opportunities from the Apprenticeship board as it seems to be the older Apprentices (some who have finished their apprenticeship) who gets selected without giving the opportunity to others. There is also no real opportunity to meet all the other Apprentices within the business so networking and developing relationships is made much more difficult.

As much support that is necessary, no more and no less.

Fujitsu encourages the development of Apprentices and their input, however it is up to you to push yourself, opportunities and chances to prove yourself aren't handed on a plate.

The salary for the Apprenticeship is great within Fujitsu, it meets my living costs and still gives me some disposable income for social costs. All my travel expenses are paid for by the company too which is great. The only thing I am apprehensive about is the way they calculate the salary you receive following the completion of your Apprenticeship. Although I have not done so yet myself, I have heard from others that you get paid the minimum amount for your role code. I think that if this approach is taken then it is wrong as it should be based on a reflection of your performance so far and you should be individually assessed rather than giving a general approach to all in completely different roles and situations.

There are many opportunities in Fujitsu to get involved in CSR and voluntary events.

Yes

Great learning experience and there is great opportunity for progression in loads of different areas of business.

The Apprenticeship is what you make it; opportunities are not handed to you on a plate, you've got to go out and look for them yourself. If you have an enthusiastic and strong work ethic, you will be recognised and you will exceed.