Name:Rhys Banton-Laing
Age:19
School:Harris Boys’ Academy East Dulwich
Job Title:Technology Apprentice
Please give an overview of your role and what does this involve on a day-to-day basis.
As a Technology Apprentice in the Quality Assurance team, I’m responsible for finding solutions & implementing tools, processes, and frameworks as a response to impediments and blockers identified by Agile Teams. No one day is ever the same for me –on one day I may be analysing a blocker which has occurred, and define a solution for it which the QA Engineers will adopt. On another day, I may work on a project which allows me to utilise my software development skills.
Why did you decide to apply to a traineeship/apprenticeship?
They main reason why I decided to do an apprenticeship is because I didn’t really feel that university was the correct path for me, I’m a kinaesthetic learner so I relish any opportunity which consists of hands on learning and getting thrown straight into the deep end.
What did you study at school?
For my A-Levels, I studied ICT, Business Studies and Mathematics.
What was the recruitment process/assessment centre like?
The recruitment process was really easy and straight forward! At first the assessment centre can seem very intimidating especially when you don’t know what to expect. But once it gets underway, your nerves start to settle.
What training do you get on your programme (external and internal)?
I receive a ton of training on my programme from internal training such as presentation skills to effective business writing. Externally, I receive a lot of my subject-specific training to do with my apprenticeship. For instance, I’ve recently been in training that will help me to complete ISTQB qualification.
How much support do you get from your employer/team/manager?
I receive tons of support not just from my team or my manager but from all the different departments across Schroders.
What has surprised you about working at Schroders?
Being young and new to the working environment can be a very daunting experience, the thing that has surprised me the most about working in Schroders is how welcoming and accommodating everyone is! By the end of my first day, I felt right at home and felt like a valued member of the team.
What has been the highlight of the programme so far?
The highlight of the programme so far for me would have to be; the amount of training and support I’ve received from the very first day. I joined Schroders knowing absolutely nothing about QA, and within the first month I became familiarised with industry applications, terminology and standards.
Any advice or tips for those applying?
The main piece of advice I would give to anyone applying is to just be yourself!
To read more about the opportunities available at Schroders and apply please clickhere
