Application Developer Review
at IBM
Degree Apprenticeship
Front-end Development
London
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.8 /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
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:
4/5
My role as an apprentice within the Support Hub gives me exposure to both technical operations and business-facing responsibilities. Day to day, I help support critical services by monitoring service health, managing and triaging incidents, resolving user support requests, and working with tools such as IBM Jira, Confluence, Slack and Grafana. I also contribute to process improvements and automation initiatives, using tools such as Python, Power BI and SharePoint to improve efficiency and service delivery.
Alongside operational support, I’ve had opportunities to work on broader projects outside my core role, including leading improvements to an internal SharePoint site, contributing to service value reporting, and supporting initiatives around automation and vulnerability management. This variety means I’m developing both technical and professional skills, while working on meaningful projects that have real impact. The role gives a strong balance of hands-on experience, responsibility, and learning opportunities.
Alongside operational support, I’ve had opportunities to work on broader projects outside my core role, including leading improvements to an internal SharePoint site, contributing to service value reporting, and supporting initiatives around automation and vulnerability management. This variety means I’m developing both technical and professional skills, while working on meaningful projects that have real impact. The role gives a strong balance of hands-on experience, responsibility, and learning opportunities.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I highly enjoy the apprenticeship programme because it combines practical work experience, professional development and academic learning in a way that continually builds my confidence and capability. One of the biggest strengths of the programme is the level of responsibility apprentices are trusted with early on, while still having support from colleagues, managers and mentors.
The programme has given me exposure to real projects, opportunities to develop technical and consulting skills, and a clear sense that my contributions add value. I’ve particularly enjoyed the variety of work, the collaborative culture, and the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally while earning a degree. It has been a very rewarding experience and has given me a strong foundation for my future career.
The programme has given me exposure to real projects, opportunities to develop technical and consulting skills, and a clear sense that my contributions add value. I’ve particularly enjoyed the variety of work, the collaborative culture, and the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally while earning a degree. It has been a very rewarding experience and has given me a strong foundation for my future career.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
The apprenticeship has helped me develop a wide range of both technical and professional skills. I have strengthened existing skills in problem solving, communication and stakeholder management, while also developing new technical skills through hands-on experience with tools such as IBM Jira, Confluence, Grafana, Power BI, SharePoint, Python and automation tools.
Beyond technical skills, I’ve grown significantly in areas such as incident management, service operations, analytical thinking and continuous improvement. I’ve also developed consulting and business change skills through project work, presenting to stakeholders and contributing to initiatives that deliver measurable value. One of the biggest benefits of the programme is that learning is not just theoretical, I’m able to apply new skills in real situations, which has accelerated my development and confidence considerably.
Beyond technical skills, I’ve grown significantly in areas such as incident management, service operations, analytical thinking and continuous improvement. I’ve also developed consulting and business change skills through project work, presenting to stakeholders and contributing to initiatives that deliver measurable value. One of the biggest benefits of the programme is that learning is not just theoretical, I’m able to apply new skills in real situations, which has accelerated my development and confidence considerably.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is very well structured, with a clear balance between on-the-job learning, professional development and academic study. There is a strong framework in place for apprentices to develop progressively, with regular check-ins, defined milestones and opportunities to take on increasing responsibility. The programme provides both structure and flexibility, allowing apprentices to learn while contributing meaningfully to real business projects.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I have received a high level of support from my employer throughout the apprenticeship. Managers, mentors and colleagues have been approachable and invested in my development, offering guidance, feedback and opportunities to grow. There is a genuine culture of support, where apprentices are trusted with responsibility while also having help available when needed. This has made a big difference to both my confidence and progression.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
The training provider has offered strong support throughout the qualification, with regular reviews, clear guidance and helpful feedback. There is good communication around expectations, deadlines and progress, and support is available when needed. The structure has helped me stay on track while balancing academic work alongside professional responsibilities.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The qualification has supported my development by providing useful theoretical knowledge and frameworks that I can apply in the workplace, particularly around business, technology and professional practice. It has complemented the practical experience gained in my role well. While some modules feel more directly relevant than others, overall the qualification has contributed positively to how I think, approach problems and perform 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
Yes, there are a range of opportunities beyond day-to-day work, including networking events, social activities, volunteering initiatives, learning communities and professional development events. There are also opportunities to engage with wider communities across IBM, which helps apprentices build connections, develop professionally and feel part of a broader community. These activities add a lot to the overall apprenticeship experience.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend IBM to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would absolutely recommend IBM to a friend because the apprenticeship offers a strong combination of real-world experience, structured development and long-term career opportunities. Apprentices are trusted with meaningful work, supported in their growth, and given exposure to projects and technologies that help build valuable skills early in their careers. The culture is collaborative, the support is strong, and the programme provides a solid foundation both professionally and academically.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?
My advice would be to be yourself, show curiosity and demonstrate a willingness to learn. IBM values problem solving, collaboration and potential, so focus on showing how you think, how you approach challenges and your enthusiasm for developing new skills, rather than feeling you need to know everything already.
I would also recommend researching IBM’s values, being prepared to talk about examples of teamwork and initiative, and showing genuine interest in technology and innovation. Once you join, make the most of the opportunities available. Ask questions, volunteer for projects, build relationships and take ownership of your development. The more you put into the programme, the more you get out of it.
I would also recommend researching IBM’s values, being prepared to talk about examples of teamwork and initiative, and showing genuine interest in technology and innovation. Once you join, make the most of the opportunities available. Ask questions, volunteer for projects, build relationships and take ownership of your development. The more you put into the programme, the more you get out of it.
