Software Engineer Review

I'm a software engineer currently working on a secure project doing Java development. I write code on a daily basis and also am involved in the software design processes. I regularly hold conversations with the client and gain experience across multiple areas.

I learn new skills on a regular basis, from java development through to new technologies and software. I also get involved with the software design and learn many aspects of the software engineering trade.

I enjoy the work I do, I feel valued and treated as a normal employee rather than an apprentice. The team I work in is really good, I always learn from them whilst on project. The company is good, they value their employees and know how to get the best out of people. In terms of the program, it has had ups and downs and a lot of changes, I'd say generally that it has not met my expectations on the whole.

Definitely, they are a very employee driven company and this shows through all the time. You get recognized for good work and this can come with certain rewards, high quality is promoted throughout.

On the whole I'd have to say not that well, although we were one of the very first intakes and could be considered a 'pilot' - I feel the program has not been managed particularly well at all times. There is often a lack of communication in terms of responses to questions and the handling of work based assessments etc. The structure of the program was only etched out at the beginning and since then things have changed along the way, but sometimes we are kept in the dark. The program has been changed to hopefully improve it's structure along the way, but as a first intake we are occasionally forgotten about.

In our first year we received very little support and the structure from a training provider was extremely poor. there was little to no communication, no regularity of meetings and very little guidance with the work we were meant to be doing. In the second year things did improve and we switched tutors and since then it has improved a great deal. The structure from the training provider still wasn't great as we often received work last minute with much less time to complete it.

We do get support from our employer, at first we received regular study days which were a great bonus, but into the second year these got taken away and it did become more difficult to keep on top of the work - especially when your working on project full time.

The salary is quite good considering it is an apprenticeship - although were not particularly seen as apprentices on project so we do the same sort of work as everyone else in our role types. We were given a figure at the start of the project towards what we would be earning after 5 years - but so far the salary has not reflected this, but will likely change. The company does pay for all expenses when working away on project which is good and we also get put up in good accommodation. In terms of social costs, when working away from home 5 days a week there's very little opportunity to see friends/family so this can be difficult.

There are company events now and then which you can take part in, there are often people trying to set up voluntary work or community events also.

Yes

Overall they are a great employer with some really good people to work with. They care about there employees and always strive to get the best out of people, whether this is with training or providing the right type of role. You regularly have the chance to change roles and you can progress as far as you want within the company.

Just be honest and be yourself, it's not an easy ride in terms of the apprenticeships, but it is a chance to earn money whilst the same time as gaining industry experience with a high profile company. You need to be a team player and enjoy working within a team, be prepared to travel regularly and just get involved where you can.