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What qualifications do I need to get on the EDS Apprenticeship Programme?

To become an EDS Apprentice you will need 5 GCSEs at grades A* to C, including Maths and English Language, or equivalent qualifications. You will also need good teamwork and communication skills.

Do EDS sponsor work permits?

No, at present EDS do not sponsor work permit applications for Apprentices.

After applying

I've sent off an application, what happens now?

Once we receive your application form we'll check that you have the right qualifications and abilities. You will receive an e-mail notifying you of whether you have been successful at the first stage within 7 days of us receiving your application.

Please note that if your application is not linked to a vacancy in your local area, we are unable to progress your application.

Selection Methods

Do I have to do any tests?

If you meet our initial criteria we will ask you to complete some on-line tests. You will need to set aside some time to concentrate on these and some of them are timed. There is a Verbal Reasoning Test, a Numerical Reasoning Test and then a Questionnaire. If you pass these then we will ask you to attend an Assessment Centre.

Assessment Centre

What happens at the Assessment Centre?

First you will be given a short presentation about EDS, the type of business it is involved with, and the Apprenticeship Programme.

You will then do some exercises that will be observed by one of our team and you will do a technical test. There is also an interview.

What will they ask me at the interview?

You should expect to be asked about your school, college or work experience to date. The interviewers will be looking for examples of situations where you have used your teamwork, communication, or other personal skills. They will want to know why you are interested in working for EDS and what sort of career aims you have.

Expenses

Do you pay travel expenses?

Yes, we reimburse all reasonable expenses within the UK. If you have any doubts about what is reasonable please call or e-mail your local recruiter.

How do I claim my expenses?

You will be able to submit your expense claim on the Assessment Day. Fill in the details of the costs of travelling to and from the event and leave it with the recruiter. If you have train tickets or receipts we will need to see those. You will then receive a cheque for the amount in the post.

I've submitted a claim and not received anything - what should I do?

If it is less than 2 weeks since you submitted the claim please be patient and your cheque should be with you shortly. If it is longer please contact us.

Job Offer

When will I find out if I've got a job?

After your interview you will be contacted by letter to let you know if you were successful. You should received this within two weeks of the Assessment Centre.

Candidate Feedback

If I am unsuccessful at any stage in the process, can I get some feedback?

We will be happy to provide feedback in writing only. Please contact us via ukmarecruitment@eds.com and we will provide as much information as we can.

Starting Work

What happens on my first day?

Before your first day you should be in contact with your manager - their name will be in your offer letter. They will let you know where, what time you need to be there on your first day, and who to ask for. They may even invite you to come and meet the team and see where you will be working beforehand. You will also meet your Assessor and your Mentor, who will be a buddy to support you and answer any day to day queries.

Training

What training will I receive as part of the Apprenticeship Programme?

You will be studying for NVQ levels 2 and 3 and Technical Certificates as part of the Advanced Apprenticeship (AA) framework. There are also a number of mandatory training courses introducing you to EDS, business methods, and personal skills. There is also an Outdoor Activity Course for practical development of team and interpersonal skills. You will have a formal training plan to help you meet your NVQ requirements, and also relevant technical training to help you carry out your day to day duties. You also have access to EDS' extensive suite of Digital Learning courses.

What is digital learning?

Digital Learning is the name that covers all kinds of electronic training, from CD ROMs, on-line courses, and tutor led courses delivered over the Internet. We have thousands of courses available covering everything from soft skills to programming languages which mean you'll be able to keep up to date with the latest changes and technologies. It also means you can retake a course as many times as you want or get a refresher when you need it.

What support do I have?

As well as your formal training, you will be supported by your manager, your mentor and your NVQ assessor and Internal Verifier to ensure you get the training and work experience you need. In addition there is a Apprenticeship Programme Training Team who are there to support you as a Apprentice.

What qualification do I get?

By the end of the programme you will have achieved NVQs at Levels 2 and 3, a Technical Certificate and have completed the national Advanced Apprenticeship (AA) framework. You may also achieve job-specific qualifications along the way.