IBM Z DevOps Client Technical Specialist Review
at IBM
Degree Apprenticeship
Sales, Information Technology
London
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.1 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.8/5
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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:
4/5
IBM Z DevOps Client Technical Specialist. Specializing in modern development practices on the Mainframe (System Z) including DevOps. Advocating for the use of modern tooling such as watsonx Code Assistant for Z and Integrated Developer for z (IBM products). Working with customers and IBM'ers internally on a daily basis.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
The team that I have joined (the Z stack UKI team) is, within my opinion, the best team to work in within IBM. Everyone in the team is very eager to aid in my development. I have had some amazing opportunities through my program and through the system Z team including traveling to Berlin, New York and Montpellier.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Skills acquired and developed:
- Interpersonal skills (communication and team working - working in a team on a daily basis has really helped this).
- Programming skills (through my time at IBM, I have learned how to program using various languages including Python, Java and COBOL).
- Mainframe/System Z Interface (I have learned how to use ISPF to interact with Mainframe systems).
- Interpersonal skills (communication and team working - working in a team on a daily basis has really helped this).
- Programming skills (through my time at IBM, I have learned how to program using various languages including Python, Java and COBOL).
- Mainframe/System Z Interface (I have learned how to use ISPF to interact with Mainframe systems).
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The organization/structure of education can vary greatly within teams. Within Z, education is highly ordered and there is a clear effort to up-skill new-hires and plenty of learning plans to complete. Whilst improving, the organization of the university aspect of the apprenticeship, especially the in-person boot-camps, can be confusing.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
Within the Z stack team, I feel as though I am being fully supported by my managers and peers. Additionally, the foundation team which IBM has put in place to support its early professionals is also very effective at answering any questions or concerns which I might have.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
My training provider is happy to support me in my work towards gaining my qualification and is happy to provide me with additional time or placements to ensure that I satisfy the KSB's.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I can see how somebody working in as a consultant within IBM would benefit greatly from the university qualification. However, the degree to which the qualification helps the employee perform better in their role, depends on the nature of the employee's role. As for myself, some of the generic principles regarding development practices are helpful, but, due to the highly technical/niche nature of my job, DevOps on the Mainframe, the qualification is not able to help me perform better in my role.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
IBM provides its employees with ample opportunity to get involved in extra curricular activities at work.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend IBM to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I think IBM is one of the best companies in the world to work for.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?
Don't be afraid to be unique and stand-out.
