Technical Consultant Review

My role has changed quite dramatically since starting in 2018. Initially I was providing basic desktop support, imaging laptops for staff while learning the skills and knowledge for Cloud Computing. In the last 18 months, I've taken ownership of an internal cloud used for staff and proof of concept development for customer solutions. This rotates with various client work which is advisory for cloud implementations and management.

Yes. I've developed skills working with my company and from the degree. From my company, I've developed a range of skills with regard to networking, cloud computing, and business operations. From my degree, I've taken a broad spectrum of skills including academic writing, business development, scheduling, etc.

Over the few years, I've liked and disliked different aspects of my programme. Besides covid which impacted my ability to grow as a consultant, my company has always provided me opportunities and growth paths. This is likely due to a good manager. I can't say I've enjoyed my degree. I've enjoyed individual modules and working with certain lecturers, but the provider feels lacklustre generally. Many of the modules are outdated and taught by lecturers with no real world experience. Additionally, one of the requirements for the program is to tick off a range of skills criteria which aren't applicable for many of my fellow apprentices (e.g. a range of project management skills for a delivery style consultant).

From a company perspective, well. We were the first apprentice group and it wasn't perfect (e.g. only internal early careers training for first year), but this has developed and grown into a full early careers community with strong company support. From a provider perspective, somewhat. The degree is structured well, but the handling of the programme from an admin perspective is complete disarray.

Incredible support from employer, but you have to build relationships to gain the most from it. I've had a few managers over the years with various levels of hands-on support, but they've always been accessible and open to talking about anything. Benefits are good, including private medical plans and mental health support.

Depends on the module. Some lecturers feel really available and really know their stuff. It's clear they've worked in their industry and care. Others seem to have had the module dropped on their plate the morning of the first lecture. The available material for each module mirrors this. In most cases, I stopped using the weekly online content and focused on self development and learning.

I've taken bits and pieces from my degree. Risk analysis was helpful and a networking module has been fundamental for my day job. However I think the degree is too broad-brush and not technical enough to develop my skills in any noticeable way. Perhaps if the degree didn't require certain mandatory modules which are irrelevant to all of my fellow apprentices it would have been more applicable.

Pre-covid there was various extra-curricular activities, but mostly things that occurred in the offices (e.g. open events (Tai Chi, etc.). During covid there were a variety of things run remotely. Now that covid is phasing out, things are beginning to return to normal as people return to offices.

Yes

Depending on the manager and position you find yourself in, HPE is a fantastic place to develop and grow your career. You get an optimum amount of sheltering from risk and exposure to business, but enough to grow into your role. Especially for the last 2 years, I've had a great manager, so would say yes. However, some colleagues have not gotten on as well with managers and will likely move on at the end.

Like any new job, start by researching the company and the position you're applying for. Show your interest in the role and a career, rather than just a job. Show your technical knowledge as appropriate but remember you're applying for an apprenticeship and you're not expected to know everything.