Apprentice Software Developer Review

I am currently in a role as a Software Developer working with Sky's internal scheduling systems. On a daily basis I have been working on implementing new features along with following best practices such as Behavior Driven Development and SOLID principles. I am working within an Agile SCRUM team including other Software Engineers, Business Analysts, Automation Testers, Testers and a Scrum Master. I am responsible for developing new features, correcting any bugs which are found within our applications and coming up with innovative ideas on how to tackle a problem. I have worked in a variety of projects such as Sky's AdSmart along with its scheduling system.

I have been working towards my Level 4 Apprenticeship qualification governed by City & Guilds. This consists of working on workplace coursework which can range from finding out how Sky implement IT Security within the workplace or researching into how different algorithms are implemented within Sky's systems. I have been fortunate to meet [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions], attend his talks along with work with him. I have attended many different soft skills courses which have improved my professional communication skills within the workplace. Overall I have become a better programmer and pushed my skills into that of Software Engineering which involves much more than just writing code. Improving my analytical skills and pushing myself into further computer science skills.

Working at Sky is very fast paced and is constantly allowing me to uncover new technologies and work with different people. Everyone at Sky is very friendly and happy to help you if you have any questions. Being able to sit next to experienced Software Engineers and ask them as many questions has really helped me to improve my skills. Sky as a whole is a very vibrant place, we're working with bleeding edge technology and are lucky enough to experiment with new things.

I feel very valued from Sky and this has been shown by the amount of trust my managers and colleagues have given me. This is really reassuring and gives me a chance of displaying what I have learnt and produce results from my learning.

I feel the programme is structured and supply an adequate balance between work within the workplace and training with a provider. I feel I am given enough time to complete tasks and can always fall back and ask for help from a colleague if needed.

My assessor is very good a providing support, she regularly contacts me to find out if I am on track with my workplace coursework and if I need any support with it. My training provider send me out information on my next course along with transport options available to attend.

My employer provides a large amount of support, we go through regular Personal Development processes which encourage out development through a period of time. I have felt very welcomed here, when sitting next to experienced colleagues they are always quick to let me try and tackle a problem and demonstrate my capability which is very reassuring.

I find living in London is generally expensive so the salary is a comfortable amount to commute and live. I feel it is enough to meet my daily and social needs.

The company hosts many internal talks along with going to conferences. These opportunities have been made available to me and are really enjoyable to attend. The company promote a two day voluntary initiative which motivates us to go out and help the community.

Yes

I feel the apprenticeship is fast paced and extremely interesting. I would recommenced my friends to Sky as I feel Sky is very welcoming and allows you to grow within your career.

The application process is easy, you can apply using the Starting Out website and you will receive a phone interview and a pre-assessment. You will then go into the assessment center to have a go at a solving a problem using a programming language.