A great apprenticeship programme is one that sets you up for a career that’s right for you. Current CGI apprentice, Alex Tearle, tells us why he’s finding our programme invaluable as he embarks on his evolving career in the IT consulting world.
April 2023
In my opinion, what makes an apprenticeship programme successful is the range of opportunities it can provide. You’re able to try different roles at the start of your career and get a real feel for all types of jobs available in a company.
CGI has done an excellent job with their apprenticeship programme. I have had the opportunity to explore a wide range of roles, with rotation and mentoring built in to help grow my skills and knowledge. This has helped me find a career path that I am passionate about, and it has also given me the opportunity to make the most of everything I'm learning.
I am currently on a three-year programme while I study for a BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions degree, and I'm training to be a project manager.
My CGI experience so far
Currently, I’m working as an IT project manager, coordinating the delivery of digital projects and ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. It's been an invaluable experience and I'm now confident in my skills and ready to take on more complex projects.
I’ve learned how to successfully manage a small project end to end which includes planning, monitoring finances, delivery management and stakeholder management. I’ve also been able to explore different project management methodologies such as agile, lean and waterfall.
I have been able to work on projects with other CGI teams, which I have discovered has sharpened my soft skills - interpersonal skills, collaboration and leadership (which are all pretty key in the IT consulting world).
Valuable lessons as an apprentice
Being an apprentice, for me, means being on a learning journey. It’s inevitable that you’ll make mistakes. However, I’ve learned that by being honest and open about it, I really learn from those mistakes and become better.
There are also other valuable lessons: the importance of communication and how it can help to make a complex task simpler, and the value of being organised. When you plan ahead, you ensure that tasks are completed on time and to a high standard, which is what our clients (and my manager) are looking for!
As far as the environment at CGI is concerned, it’s great. I feel that there’s a close-knit culture here in which everyone is connected, and you’re able to get to know your colleagues and build relationships across the business. The power of collaboration seems quite tangible here, and I enjoy being a part of this company.
Just as importantly, CGI rewards hard work - you are acknowledged with bonuses or special mentions, which encourages you to learn and achieve more. I’ve experienced good guidance here and received support with my career development. As a result, I feel more confident that I am on the right path.
If you’re interested in learning more about CGI’s apprenticeship programme, you can find all the information you need on the CGI website.
