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IT Support Apprentice Review

at FDM Group

Degree Apprenticeship

Information Technology

London Bridge, London EC4R 3TN, UK

Review Submitted: April 2026

Overall Rating

4 /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 - Overview of Role
4/5 - Skills Development
4/5 - 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
In my role as an Apprentice 1st Line Support Analyst within the IT Support team at FDM Group, I provide day‑to‑day technical support to the company by responding to a variety of tickets. On a typical day, I triage these tickets, using research solutions or liaise with my wider team when required , to respond and support users across our offices - I now anticipate and approach any technical problems both familiar and unfamiliar. I regularly collaborate with senior colleagues to ensure solutions align with stakeholder requirements and to maintain clear communication across teams. Alongside reactive support, I actively upskill in my downtime by developing my technical knowledge in areas such as virtual machines, Linux and Python, and by completing online certifications and projects. I also study alongside my apprenticeship so a few hours each week is spent researching and writing assignments. A key part of my role, which I thoroughly enjoy also involves communicating technical concepts clearly to non‑technical users, ensuring problems and solutions are explained without jargon.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I thoroughly enjoy my programme as it offers continuous opportunities to develop a broad range of technical and professional skills. Through my studies and my role within IT Support, I am strengthening key skills such as problem‑solving, analytical thinking, communication, and adaptability, all of which are reinforced through hands‑on experience. I am particularly looking forward to the opportunity to work externally in the future, as this will allow me to apply my skills in a new environment and further broaden my experience. In the meantime, I actively engage with my mentors and colleagues to ensure I remain challenged and continue to grow. Although maintaining a consistent level of challenge can sometimes be difficult, I am well supported by my team, which enables me to seek feedback, stretch myself where possible, and remain motivated in my development.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
So far in my role, I have strengthened my understanding of licensing, account lifecycle management, and stakeholder engagement. I have further developed my independence and research skills, particularly when approaching tickets I have no practical experience in. I have also maintained and improved my communication skills with my colleagues from the executive level to new starters. In addition, I actively participate in volunteering and public‑speaking opportunities when possible, which has been supported by my company. These experiences have significantly enhanced my soft skills, particularly my confidence and adaptability when working and speaking to be individuals in different environments.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
My programme is built around a strong support system. I have regular check‑ins with mentors, a buddy system within my IT team that pairs me with more experienced colleagues, and ongoing support from both the Apprentice Manager and a Success Manager who liaises with my university mentor. We are also encouraged to give feedback on the programme to ensure the support and structure are working effectively for us on an individual level.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive a strong level of support from my employer. Within my team, I benefit from regular guidance from mentors, a buddy system that allows me to seek support from more experienced colleagues, and ongoing check‑ins from the Apprentice Manager. My employer is also supportive of my wider development, encouraging upskilling, volunteering, and public‑speaking opportunities that help build both technical and soft skills. While there is an expectation to take ownership of my learning and seek challenges proactively, I feel well supported overall, which allows me to continue developing with confidence.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I receive a good level of support from my training provider while working towards my qualification. They offer a variety of discounted courses and run a wide range of engaging events during term time, which helps extend learning beyond the core curriculum. In particular, there has been a strong level of support and understanding around my main degree, especially during more challenging periods, with clear communication and flexibility where needed.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
My qualification helps support my performance in my role to a moderate extent. I find the academic side interesting to explore, and it does help consolidate some of the knowledge and skills I use at work, particularly in terms of structured thinking and core technical concepts. However, this consolidation does not happen all the time, and much of the practical development comes from on‑the‑job experience. To gain additional opportunities and deepen my learning, I often have to take initiative myself by seeking out challenges, asking questions, and engaging with mentors.
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
There are some extra‑curricular opportunities available at my workplace, though they are more occasional rather than regular. Employees have the chance to attend professional events and networking opportunities as they arise, as well as take part in charity fundraising initiatives. There are also occasional sports and social events, which help with team engagement.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend FDM Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
As with everything, I think a lot of the experience is what you make of it, but a degree apprenticeship is always a great opportunity. It allows you to earn, learn, and build real‑world experience at the same time, and if you’re proactive and willing to get involved, there are plenty of chances to develop both professionally and personally.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to FDM Group?
Make sure your CV is clear and shows your skills and interests properly. During interviews, try not to overthink it and treat it more like a conversation — talking confidently about your experiences, including any volunteering or projects, really helps. In group interviews, make sure you speak up and share your ideas, but also be mindful to give everyone else a chance to contribute
In This Review
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