Software Developer Review

My role is an apprentice software developer for making tax digital in HMRC. I am in charge of monitoring services running on the gov.uk website as well as helping to develop code in Java and Scala for new services and updates. We are working on making tax services all online for all customers.

I am developing skills in coding in HTML and Java, as well as developing project management skills within my team. I am also developing skills in overall architecture within the company.

My programme is currently a little slow as I have yet to start the full course, but I am enjoying learning coding skills and developing my skills in different programming environments. The culture in the office is very friendly and welcoming, and I am happy in my position.

My manager is very helpful and appreciative of my work even though he is based further away, and my other team members are also very helpful. I do not yet have the skills to fully integrate into my team's work because it is high level, but am still picking up various skills from other people to assist.

My programme has had a slow start and a painful sign up process, so right now to me it is very unorganised. I have also only received tentative dates for my training and have yet to recieve any one to one contact from my mentor.

Very little support has been recieved apart from generic emails and online lectures, and all of the emails I have sent recently with some concerns of mine have been ignored over the past month.

My employer is very supportive and helpful, and my manager is amazing when it comes to support and assistance. Everyone else is very willing to help and teach me skills and tips for my work, and is open to listen and assist if I ever have any problems.

My salary is very good for my costs as I only need to pay travel expenses and bills, but I think it would also be sustainable even if I needed to pay rent. It can also cover any food and event costs that I want to attend.

I have yet to find many opportunities outside of work within the company as my office is a bit outside of the social circle. However there are volunteering and learning opportunities available to me within work, as well as classes that I have signed up for and sports clubs.

Yes

HMRC is a very supportive and financially sound employer, and working within the government provides many opportunities to move around and grow as an employee and as a person in different areas.

Never sell yourself short; always show as many different skills as possible in your application and interview. Make sure you put everything forward in group tasks and study the company before the assessments.