Software Apprentice Review

My job title is Software Apprentice, and at the moment my daily tasks are learning skills that I will need to have to contribute to projects I will be put on in the future. As well as this I am working on Degree work for a few hours a day. Frequent conversations with my line manager, when passing each other's desks. I currently don't have any responsibilities because of my lack of experience, but when I begin project work I will have responsibilities. Recently worked on a week sprint project, small contributions, mostly shadowing colleagues.

Since I started in my department, I have been doing web development for an internal site that collects employees ideas, to do this I have been learning JavaScript and HTML5, also using JQuery and NodeJS. I have learnt the basics of JavaScript and hope to use I more, on a project coming up.

The office I am in has an amazing culture and attitude to work. They all very friendly and a big reason that I enjoy TRL so much. I expected things to be quiet, and people quite up tight, which I am sure other offices in the business are, but in my office, people joke around, have a bit of fun, very positive vibes all the time. Lots of social events out of work, which has allowed me to really get to know my colleagues better. I was very nervous coming into the office, but I have fit right in to the group, and I can only thank them for being so welcoming, and helpful to me.

From the web dev. project I have just finished, I have received a lot of appreciation from the head of my department, as it was him I was making the site for. He thought I did a great job considering it was the first time I had ever done web dev. and has told me he plans to publish the site internally very soon. On the week sprint I did, it was very tough for me, because of my lack of experience, I didn't feel all that valuable. Most of the time I felt out of my depth, but I know this was simply because the colleagues I was working with were very intelligent individuals. My contribution was small, but the members of the project team always asked for my opinion and thoughts, and were patient with me throughout, so I feel comfortable that with more learning and support I will be able to contribute more, and prove to myself that I am valuable to the company.

Due to the nature of the work at my company, starting out was difficult because the I simply wasn't able to know about a lot of things. Things have changed now, and I am being brought in on tech demonstrations, and discussions. The degree side seems relatively organised, I know what modules I have coming up, just not the exact dates these are happening, only the deadline for my Work Based Portfolio. My line manager has agreed to give me time in work to do degree work, as well as the time at home. There are many places I can go to get support, I have a contact in HR that has been dealing with any problems I have, and I have my line manager who I feel like I can ask about anything that troubles me. There is a mentoring system here at TRL, my mentor and I have met once, but we haven't arranged anything since then, I believe she is a very busy person, and I understand she finds it very difficult to find the time. It is fine though, I have all of my colleagues around me, that I can speak to and ask questions.

I meet with the course tutor for 2 day workshops which give me a chance to ask questions face to face, and have a chance of receiving one on one tutoring. My skills coach Paul from QA, comes in every so often to see us, and check on our progress, and I can also contact him at any time if I have any problems.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. I have regular meetings with my line manager to just have a catch up, and check on my progress and see if I am happy doing the work I am doing. He also sits behind me so we often have discussions about things, not always work related. I have Eloise in HR that I see often for meetings with the other apprentices and industrial placements. I can also contact herm and feel comfortable asking her anything. She has been vital in planning our workshops in London, with booking the hotels, and helping to get our expense claim forms through. I am also receiving support from everyone around me. There isn't a person in this office who is not willing to help. Often if you ask someone to come and look at your work and give you feedback or help you fix a bug, you get 4 people standing around you trying to solve it.

At 18, the salary I am on is very competitive, and having lived at home since I started working for TRL, I have been able to save and finally buy my own car. Now that I have this I am moving out at the end of March, with some other people in the business that I am friends with. The salary we have should be enough to pay for the rent and other expenses, but still have enough to put into savings, and put into giving ourselves a decent lifestyle.

As I work here longer more and more opportunities are coming up. There are frequent social events within my office that I have been invited to, and I am now starting to hear about the different sport clubs people are attending. I have started attending a football club with some people in my office, have been enjoying it so far. Outside of my office there are often social events and meet ups after work for a drink and food which has allowed me to gain contacts in different areas of the business.

Yes

Because the way you are treated here second to none. You get a very competitive salary with other greats benefits. The culture does change from office to office, and I have been lucky to be put in an office with a lively culture. I know that other apprentices are not having the same experience. Despite this, from where I am sitting, TRL seems like a decent place to work.

I only have one piece of advice for people applying to TRL. Ask questions. When I started I was afraid to ask questions as I didn't want to bug people doing genuine work. The truth is most of the time people are happy to help you, and understand that you are not as experienced as others. I appreciate a lot more now how important asking questions is, and have gained the confidence to do so. Don't make the same mistake I did and not ask questions to start, as that is the most important time, don't be afraid.