Resource Scheduler Review

My job title is 'Resource Scheduler' however it's quite simplified given the tasks involved and the actual role. Within my team we manage all Non-Perm assets in all aspects including costing, access, headcount, reporting duties, etc. Daily tasks would involve raising POs from schedules for contractors, raising extensions for Non-Perms, ensuring smooth running of Non-Perm operations and dealing with general queries relating to Non-Perms. Internally we deal with Hiring Managers and Non-Perm staff, sometimes hearing from Senior Management if they require something from us and having daily dealings with Resource Managers. Externally we deal with agencies and generally have no interaction with the customers. We're responsible for the maintenance of our Non-Perm database and ensuring the smooth running of operations within our area.

I have learnt many new skills and developed on some existing skills. Existing skills that I've developed on would be general computer skills, such as the ability to type at a faster wpm rate, ease of use of Microsoft Office Programmes and internet databases and the ability to manipulate such things to meet your needs. Internally there are a lot of options for training unfortunately they're a bit out of the way for me and can be difficult to travel to as it would involve hours on a train and stopping overnight for the sake of a couple of hours of training which isn't feasable at the moment given my personal circumstances, however the company would pay for the expenses and support the decision, the choice to not attend is a personal one and if my situation were different I would. Externally is the same situation, I can attend the courses as long as they're relevant on company time/money, if they weren't relevant I would be allowed to request time off of work to attend. My personal and professional skills have improved ten fold and my general disposition is a lot more professional and mature. My confidence and drive has amplified and I have learnt a lot about myself through this experience.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme, not only because of the opportunity and content, but because of the people that I work with. Even though there's a bit of an age gap I've been accepted within our team and get along well with everyone. Good interaction/relationships with colleagues is important to excel within your role in my opinion. The company has a strong friendly vibe and everybody tries to help each other out, on several occasions people have helped me when I reached out for it. The programme has met my expectations and then some, as there are many opportunities to move around within the company from where I am, I have the ability to choose and mold my own career path.

I feel quite valued witin my team and surrounding colleagues, and feel valued by the organisation. However, given my distance from the majority of apprentices within my organisation, I tend to feel left out. I am situated far away from the bulk of where apprentices are based, and because of this I miss out on many opportunities where apprentices meet for courses/training/networking.

The induction to begin with could have been better, as I came in knowing nothing about the business and what my role would involve, I was thrown into it with company jargon and felt very in deep water, however, through making a strong effort to understand the terminology and the way the company works, I soon got up to speed with everything. I feel that I should've been introduced to the programme more gradually and given more guidance rather than thrown into the job role out right and left to figure things out myself. I'm quite a strong independent person and as such don't require much support in terms of training and studying, I was given the option to have an internal mentor provided for me but decided it wasn't necessary and would be a waste of resources. Everything job based, tasks, roles, team structure, is very well organised and the team works well together. Overall, the programme, from an outsiders point of view, wasn't very well organised. If I were an internal candidate transferring from another part of the business, then it would've been fine, but given that I was coming from an outside party, the programme needed a lot more explanation. Now that I'm settled in, everything is great.

The apprenticeship is well structured and I have guidance, but it could be improved, I feel that if I wasn't making a conscious effort to keep track of everything, which I should be anyway, then it would fall apart. For example, if I were to fall ill earlier in the apprenticeship, I feel as though I would fall far behind and it would be difficult to catch back up as the work hasn't been well managed. I can't say if this is a personal experience or how it generally is, as I've had 3 tutors rather than 1 throughout because of them leaving/transferring which has left my work mismanaged and I feel as though I've done quite a bit of re-work where it shouldn't have been necessary. I'm comfortable with the situation now and feel as though my current tutor is making a positive effort to help me finish off the programme.

I receive all the support that I require, and my manager has been very patient with me throughout my employment as due to different personal situations there have been a couple of bumps in the road. I am offered guidance with problems and has never received negativity towards requesting support.

Given my person circumstances, my salary just covers my costs leaving no room for disposable income/social spending. An apprenticeship would generally be aimed at someone living at home with their parents and if this were the case then the salary/package would be great.

One thing that I can say about Fujitsu is that we are very involved with charities and actively encourage employees to partake in such activities as cycling, running, fund raising. We are very involved with the local community as well, running workshops for disadvantages young people, donations with the church. There are many company events/activities, but events depend on where you sit within the business. Company activities include such things as a 50 mile sponsored bike ride on company time. The location of work is great as it's positioned near public transport and has a gym/swimming baths situated near by. Before the apprenticeship I was at College and then worked with my dad for a while.

Yes

There are a lot of good opportunities after the apprenticeship and Fujitsu encourage people to stay on and develop themselves within the company. They strive to ensure that you receive whatever training you wish and support you in your career.

Clue yourself up on Fujitsu and what the jobs going to involve. Have a background knowledge in IT depending on what you're applying for. Be confident in interviews and show that you're interested.