Software Engineer Review

I work as a software engineer, providing support in PL/SQL and Java for a large public sector client. Day to day, I work on tickets raised by the client - this involves an analysis of the issue, followed by looking into the code packages and testing any changes in our support environment. I work as part of a large (20-25 people) team, and occasionally take on some incident management responsibilities. I have been given the opportunity to take on more tasks periodically and always look to do so.

As an apprentice at Capgemini, there is a 12 week (now reduced to 8) intensive training programme. This gave me skills in SQL, PL/SQL, Java, Data Modelling, Object Oriented Programming, Creative Problem Solving and Project Management. As well as this, I have greatly improved my soft skills and am now much more comfortable presenting in front of others.

On the whole, I enjoy the Capgemini apprenticeship programme. I have rapidly developed my technical and interpersonal skills. My team were friendly and welcoming, treating me as an equal rather than a fresh-faced school leaver. The company is really focused on apprenticeships and this is very important to me. The culture is relaxed and pressure is only applied when appropriate - apprentices are occasionally put under pressure but only if management are sure this can be dealt with. I had no real preconceptions about Capgemini before joining (mainly because I hadn't heard of them!) but the company has definitely met my expectations.

I feel incredibly valued by Capgemini. I am given increasing responsibility as the weeks go by (though I often have to seek this out myself). Based on the pay and promotion plan I have been shown, I definitely feel like my hard work will be rewarded.

As the programme has been running for several years, on a company-wide level it is fairly well polished. In my business unit (AO), it was still quite disorganised, but lessons have now been learnt and will no doubt be applied to new intakes in the future.

I meet my training advisor roughly every 6 weeks to review my progress. This is generally a positive experience and I feel I get the right level of support to make sure I complete all my relevant coursework.

I have been assigned a variety of mentors, buddies, managers and reviewers to help ease my integration into the company. Whilst they have all been helpful, my only criticism would be that I'm sometimes unsure of who to go to with issues as there are so many different people involved.

My salary is competitive for my age and role, and the flex benefits (such as purchasing extra holiday days and the Ride2Work scheme). On the apprenticeship programme, there are opportunities for pay and progression every 6 months and I am hence confident my salary will rise shortly.

There are lots of volunteering opportunities available, especially for apprentices. Since joining, I have assisted with the running of a 'Princes Trust XL Club' and talked about the apprenticeship at a local college.

Yes

If you join Capgemini, you can get a debt-free degree whilst earning a solid salary and getting real world experience of a multinational corporation. I see no downsides to the programme and was delighted to receive an offer. I would strongly urge anyone who enjoys technology to apply.

The application process is lengthy, but this is simply due to the incredibly high number of applicants. If you be yourself and act in a professional manner you will go far.