Apprentice Software Engineer Review

Working in a small agile delivery team, developing software. Currently working for Sky Interactive, my upcoming project will be to develop a new feature for the Sky + box. Very immersive work environment from day 1.

I cannot even begin to list everything I have learnt so far, I feel as if I have grown a lot as a developer from day one. I am much more confident in my development skills than I was 8 months ago. Specifically skills such as CSS, HTML, JavaScript, Node.js, agile etc. All the way down to personal development, how to act in meetings, interactions with colleagues and so on.

I can honestly say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the programme so far. Of course there are the odd days where it can be a little slow, however on a macro scale it an exciting experience to say the least!

I feel that Sky do value their apprentices quite highly. I have noticed that there are equal opportunities for both graduates and apprentices, I haven't yet come across any stigma against apprentices. From almost day 1 we were given real projects from within Sky, creating an internal customer data and destruction web portal for high level managers was quite a challenge, but one that we took responsibility for.

So far each step of the programme has been well structured. From being offered a place on the apprenticeship we were told it included a month 'bootcamp' to bring us up to speed on Sky's development methodologies, technologies and so on. We then went on to do around 4 months of educational projects, real projects that would target a real business need.

Excellent levels of support are provided to us by our assessor Raouf, we have numerous channels of communication set up and often will receive a reply within the hour. Feedback is quickly provided for all of our work submissions.

On a whole everyone is happy to help, whether this be coding questions, coursework questions or just general career advice. Our manager is always happy to put in time with us if we have any questions or concerns.

Very well. I have had to re-locate from Lincolnshire and find accommodation in London and by no means is it cheap however I am able to live comfortably on the apprentice salary.

Having recently been on a team outing and thoroughly enjoying it I would say there are opportunities outside of work. Just recently there was an opportunity to help out at a sporting campaign alongside some Olympians, very cool!

Yes

From the experience so far, Sky is a very exciting company to work for, having come across Dom Jolly and David Hay within a 2 minute walk to the toilet says everything. By no means is this a run of the mill apprenticeship, the only tea and coffee you will be making is for your self at one of the many 'Oasis points' dotted around every building.

Sky is a face-paced, agile company. Technologies, methods and ways of working can change, don't be afraid to learn and accept change. As cliché as it sounds, being able to work well in a team is vital at Sky due to the agile working environment.