DevOps Engineer Review
at IBM
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Software Engineering
Warwick
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
4.6 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.2/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
As a Level 4 DevOps Engineer Apprentice at IBM, my role involves working on cloud infrastructure, automation, and continuous integration/deployment (CI/CD). Day-to-day, I manage and configure AWS services such as EC2, S3, ECR, and CloudFront, ensuring our environments are optimized and secure.
I also work with Podman for containerization, pushing images to ECR and managing deployments. Infrastructure as Code (IaC) is a key part of my work, where I use tools like Terraform or CloudFormation to automate cloud resources. Additionally, I collaborate with different teams, troubleshoot issues, and document processes to support smooth operations.
I also work with Podman for containerization, pushing images to ECR and managing deployments. Infrastructure as Code (IaC) is a key part of my work, where I use tools like Terraform or CloudFormation to automate cloud resources. Additionally, I collaborate with different teams, troubleshoot issues, and document processes to support smooth operations.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Its the best programme
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Over the past year, I’ve learned a lot and developed my existing skills further. I’ve gained hands-on experience with AWS services like EC2, S3, ECR, and CloudFront, and I now have a solid understanding of managing cloud infrastructure. Since I use Podman instead of Docker, I’ve learned how to build, push, and manage container images in AWS. I’ve also improved my skills in automation, using Terraform and CloudFormation to manage infrastructure as code. Working with CI/CD pipelines has helped me understand deployment processes better, and I’ve also deepened my knowledge of Linux and scripting to automate tasks and troubleshoot issues. On top of the technical side, I’ve developed better collaboration and documentation skills, making it easier to work with my team and keep track of processes. Overall, I’ve made a lot of progress and gained valuable experience working on real-world projects.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is well-structured in terms of providing a mix of hands-on experience and learning opportunities, but there are areas that could be improved. There’s a clear framework for developing technical skills, with access to real-world projects that help reinforce what I’m learning. The support from my team and mentors has been helpful, and there are plenty of resources available for self-study. However, at times, there could be more structured guidance on balancing apprenticeship work with day-to-day tasks, as it can sometimes feel like I’m navigating things on my own. Overall, the programme is effective in building my skills, but a bit more structure around expectations and learning pathways would make it even better.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive good support from my employer, especially from my team and mentors. Whenever I need help, there’s always someone available to guide me, whether it’s troubleshooting an issue, understanding a concept, or working through a task. Regular check-ins help keep me on track, and I have access to learning resources to develop my skills further. That said, sometimes it would be helpful to have more structured guidance on balancing apprenticeship work with project tasks. Overall, the support is there when I need it, and I feel encouraged to keep improving.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The support from my training provider has been decent, but there is room for improvement. I have access to learning materials and guidance when needed, and my tutor is available to answer questions and provide feedback on my work. However, at times, communication could be more consistent, and clearer guidance on assignments and expectations would make things smoother. While I do get support when I ask for it, a more structured approach with regular check-ins and proactive feedback would help me stay on track more effectively.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The qualification provides a good foundation by covering key DevOps concepts, but the direct impact on my day-to-day role is mixed. Some topics, like cloud computing, automation, and CI/CD, align well with my work and have helped me understand the bigger picture. However, certain areas feel more theoretical and don’t always translate directly to the practical tasks I handle. A more hands-on, role-specific approach in the training would make it more useful. That said, it does help reinforce my technical knowledge and gives me a structured way to develop my skills.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
Yes but I do not go to them
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend IBM to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Yes, I would recommend IBM to a friend. The company provides great opportunities to work on real-world projects, gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools, and develop valuable skills in a supportive environment. There’s a strong learning culture, and the team is always willing to help. While some aspects, like structured guidance for apprentices, could be improved, overall, it’s a great place to grow as a DevOps engineer.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?
If you're applying to IBM, my biggest advice is to show a strong willingness to learn and be proactive. IBM values problem-solving skills and adaptability, so make sure you highlight any experience with cloud computing, automation, or scripting, even if it’s self-taught. Be prepared to work independently at times, but don’t be afraid to ask questions—there’s always support available if you reach out. Also, focus on developing both technical and soft skills, as collaboration and communication are just as important as coding and automation in a DevOps role. Finally, take advantage of the learning resources IBM offers and get involved in as many projects as you can to build experience.
