Apprentice Software Engineer Review

My role involves developing a frontend website for the NOWTV Help Site. Customers facing issues would make use of this service to resolve any queries they have. Being at the heart of the customers is a very important place to be. It's a fast paced, hold on to your seat environment with a daily standup at 9:30. My daily interactions involve discussing designs and architecture a solution that's works for everyone.

There's never a day where I haven't learnt anything. I feel that even when I come off the Apprenticeship i'll still be learning from others aswell as teaching. Whilst being with QA, we attended many courses, these include: 1st September 2015 – 4th September 2015: • BSKYB – Test Driven Development using Java (AEBETDDJAVA) 13th August 2015 – 28th August 2015: • BSKYB – Java Fundamentals (AEBEJVFUND) 10th August 2015 – 12th August 2015: • BSKYB – Agile Scrum (AEBEAGSCRUM) 6th June 2016 – 17th June 2016: • BSKYB - Web Development using HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript (AEBEHTMCCJA) 8th February 2016 – 12th February 2016: • BSKYB - Fundamentals of Project Management & assignment 400 (AEBAFPM) 18th January 2016 – 22nd January 2016: • BSKYB - Systems Development Essentials (AEBESSDEV) Courses attended within Sky: • Influencing (Two days) • Building rapport with colleagues (Two days) • Agile / Scrumban training (Lunch time) • Ariba (Lunch time) Developing these skills, i'm able to manage my time efficiently, communicate with others and present to all kinds of audiences.

I thoroughly enjoy working where I am, Sky is like a family and everyone is welcome when they join. I was able to finish my Apprenticeship on time with no complications thanks to the support from my Assessor.

I've always felt valued when working at Sky especially from my team. My manager congratulated me when I was signed off. I did my coursework away from work so that I was able to focus on my day to day job and the transition would be easy when coming off the Apprenticeship. That has given me more responsibility as an Apprentice, I have been responsible for launching the new Help Site and Get In Touch pages on it. I have also tested and given talks to Sky Academy Careers Lab, teaching others to one day have the opportunity to apply for this Apprenticeship.

Throughout the Apprenticeship we had a bumpy ride with another provider however once we let higher management know, they were able to sort out the situation. Now there aren't any issues and Outsource are on hand when anything goes wrong.

At the start, Sky used QA as an Apprenticeship provider however we found that the support we were getting was nil. However, since the move we've found that Outsource Apprenticeships have given us the best support we possibly need. Raouf has gone above and beyond helping everyone with their queries.

This has varied from each department I have been in, however each manager has allowed me to take off any time I need to complete the coursework assigned. I completed the majority of my coursework at home so that it never impacted my work in my department.

Compared to other corporations, Sky do pay quite well however aren't the best for Apprenticeships. I would never consider the salary to be an issue as it's enabled me to get a new car and nearly half way for a house deposit.

My previous department attended Mipcom in Las Vegas, NOWTV are inviting colleagues after work to come out for a drink in order to network with other people around the business. I have found this to be the best way to improve relations and make you more effective in the office.

Yes

Sky is a great place to work and I would love others to see it in the same way I do. The Sky Starting Out Team have been fantastic and made the experience the best it can be.

Do your revision and learn about the company, demonstrate clear knowledge and understanding when being assessed and be a people person. Be able to hold a conversation and value others in your team. Sky wouldn't work if everyone didn't pull together as a team, you must be able to work in a team effectively and be willing to take a lead role in order to be successful.