Junior Management Consultant Review
at IBM
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Management Consulting
Manchester
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
4.9 /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
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.8/5
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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:
5/5
In my role as a Tester within a delivery team, I am responsible for ensuring the quality and reliability of system changes through structured testing and ongoing maintenance. On a day-to-day basis, I attend daily stand-up meetings to share progress, highlight any blockers, and align with the team on priorities.
My core responsibilities include creating, maintaining, and executing test artefacts such as test cases and automated feature files to validate new functionality and ensure existing behaviour is not impacted. I am also involved in maintenance activities, including investigating defects, identifying root causes, and fixing bugs. Alongside this, I contribute to improving team documentation to support knowledge sharing and onboarding.
As part of my apprenticeship, I followed a structured training roadmap covering a range of technical and professional skills. I also regularly seek and act on feedback, while continuously working to upskill and improve my performance.
My core responsibilities include creating, maintaining, and executing test artefacts such as test cases and automated feature files to validate new functionality and ensure existing behaviour is not impacted. I am also involved in maintenance activities, including investigating defects, identifying root causes, and fixing bugs. Alongside this, I contribute to improving team documentation to support knowledge sharing and onboarding.
As part of my apprenticeship, I followed a structured training roadmap covering a range of technical and professional skills. I also regularly seek and act on feedback, while continuously working to upskill and improve my performance.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
The apprenticeship programme itself is very well structured and included different courses on a variety of topics from technical areas (AI, Programming, Quantum etc) to Consulting methodologies.
There are always events and socials to take part in, from both the Apprenticeship side and project sides.
There are always events and socials to take part in, from both the Apprenticeship side and project sides.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Throughout my apprenticeship, I have developed a broad range of both technical and professional skills.
From a technical perspective, I have strengthened my programming knowledge, improved my understanding of software systems, and developed awareness of emerging areas such as AI and modern technologies. This has enhanced my ability to approach problems logically and adapt to new tools and environments.
Alongside this, I have significantly developed my professional and soft skills. This includes improving my communication, presentation, and public speaking abilities, as well as my confidence when collaborating with others. Working within a team environment has also strengthened my teamwork, adaptability, and ability to engage effectively with different stakeholders.
From a technical perspective, I have strengthened my programming knowledge, improved my understanding of software systems, and developed awareness of emerging areas such as AI and modern technologies. This has enhanced my ability to approach problems logically and adapt to new tools and environments.
Alongside this, I have significantly developed my professional and soft skills. This includes improving my communication, presentation, and public speaking abilities, as well as my confidence when collaborating with others. Working within a team environment has also strengthened my teamwork, adaptability, and ability to engage effectively with different stakeholders.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is well organised, with a clear training roadmap provided on IBM’s learning platform. This is structured into quarterly milestones, helping ensure steady progress and timely completion of required learning.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a high level of support from both the apprenticeship/foundation team and wider management. There are multiple accessible channels, such as email and internal communication platforms, making it easy to reach out whenever needed.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
As IBM is also the training provider, the support is consistent and readily available. The apprenticeship/foundation team are approachable and provide guidance whenever required throughout the qualification.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The qualification supports my performance by encouraging development across both technical and professional skills. This helps me apply learning directly into my role and continuously improve.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
There are regular social and networking events across different IBM offices. These are organised both by the apprenticeship team and other internal groups, providing opportunities to connect beyond day-to-day work.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend IBM to a friend?
Yes
Why?
IBM offers opportunities to work on interesting projects across a wide range of industries. It also provides strong support for early careers, helping individuals develop both professionally and personally.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?
Get involved in activities such as clubs, volunteering, or part-time work to build key soft skills like communication and teamwork. Also show curiosity in areas like technology or design, and demonstrate this through personal projects or independent learning.
