Degree Apprentice Software Engineer Review

Working with software to solve problems for our customers. This can involve new features, bug fixing and performance improvements. Working across all stages of the software lifecycle.

Working across all stages of the lifecycle enables good exposure to all steps from requirements engineering, system design, system implementation and testing. I have developed my skills in all of these areas to provide better solutions.

Overall I enjoy the programme and it has provided really good learning opportunities to apply my knowledge to real problems, as well as opportunities to expand my knowledge in my weaker areas.

The programme is relatively well structured between university time and work time. There feels like there is reasonable progression through the programme although the university structure is what provides most of this over the years.

The support from the employer is very good. Good support for additional needs, regular checks on these needs. Also a good network of support tools available as an employee which are separate from the company.

The support from the training provide could be improved. Sometimes it feels like the contact is minimal. Most of the learning is done remotely, and often the in person time feels not well utilised. Although the necessary support is in place to allow me to complete the work.

Throughout my programme I feel the work I have completed for the employer has been more valuable to me and I have learnt more from these experiences. The university training provides some of the theory behind those decisions, but sometimes it is more valuable to see these for real.

Not really. There are occasional events but these happen more on a quarterly basis. There are team celebrations around Christmas.

Yes

There are good support systems available and it feels like a safe place to come to work. There are good opportunities for your work, at any level, to have a real impact.

Do some research into the industry and understand the current challenges being faced by the industry and the business. Research some specific large projects to gain an understanding of how they contribute to the industry and business.