Software Apprentice Review

I am a software engineer in a building where everyone is an engineer. I'm currently apart of a project running automated testing scripting. This experience is really a learning curve for me being in an office environment for the first time.

My communication skills have improved substantially since joining last year as well as software learning like Git and BASH. I have also experienced and learnt how to best use my other colleagues for help and guidance where needed.

I enjoy my programme a lot. There are many aspects that are good about it: Having so many apprentices, graduates and interns means there's a good youth culture and many opportunities to make good friends. Although longer days than I was ever used to, the time spent is not a bad thing. I look forward to continue learning loads.

Most of the time, I feel a valued member of the team and it really shows with the support I have around me in engineering and also more generally with HR and the course. However, there have been times where I think I am not being listened to.

Me and others are the first ones to start doing a degree apprenticeship and so the course structure can be somewhat disorganised. However, they are designing a course structure for the future.

I receive little support, every couple of months someone will come in from our training provider to check on us, but that is about it.

I receive lots of support from my employer with them continuing to look at ways to improve our experience and impact within the business.

My salary meets my needs very well at the moment due to my lack of costs. But as my costs rise due to housing etc. this could prove to be too little.

As a part of work there are programs like 'Cerebrum' and '5% tutorials' that organise outside events for apprentices, graduates and interns. There is also a charity commission that continue to organise outdoor events to raise money.

Yes

I think L3 TRL helps to continue my career/education path in a productive way and only want me to do well. It's a really good learning curve and I'd recommend it to someone coming out of sixth form/college.

Put yourself out there, don't stay quiet as easy as it may be. The more impact and questions asked can lead to a better degree of learning.