Software Engineer Review

On a day to day basis, I leave the house and get in for half 8. I start running my feeds and developing the associated metadata for it. I have team meetings and meetings with clients to discuss the work that needs to be delivered and the priority for all the work that needs to be completed. We also discuss any problems or blockers with our work and if we need any help with what we are doing.

I have learnt many different languages and softwares. I currently use UNIX on a daily basis alongside Pentado DI. I also use hadoop and big data technologies for handling and dealing with the data. I have also had training in courses to help me develop the skills i need for the job.

The work is interesting and the team I work with are brilliant, very supportive and helpful. The company culture is fantastic, work nights out are organised with events also happening all the time around the country. It is above all my expectations, it is just as socially fun and interactive as uni is.

We get regular reviews where what we have done and how we did are marked and fed back to us, and appreciation from the managers and team are marked. There are monetary recognition awards along with good feedback which impacts promotions. There's loads of involvement with all the work and apprenticeship events. We are treated just the same as all the other team members, age isn't taken into consideration.

The induction was very well structured, with an introduction to the company for a week, then comprehensive training for 2/3 months to help prepare you for your role. There is a whole GAP team to support you through your daily work and your apprenticeship work. Can easily schedule meetings with one of the team members. The program is very well structured.

QA provided a lot of support. I had regular meetings with my mentor who helped me with my assignments when I was having problems. They quickly reply to my emails and assist as much as they can. They also have a support network to help us if we are really struggling with the work and not dealing with the work load.

There is a lot of support from our employer. Theres a great support network there fr us if we need it in the form of our GAP team, our managers, reviewers and there is also HR if we need to talk to someone that we dont work with on a daily basis. There's policies and documentation on nearly every scenario as well for if something happens at work and you are unsure of how to proceed with it.

The base salary is really good for an apprenticeship and you get your first promotion within a year. Then you put forward promotion cases that get reviewed by your managers. These cases are written with your reviewer. The expenses are brilliant, and very easy to do. If working away from home/base location, you get travel and hotels reimbursed and with meals. There is no cost to you if they put you somewhere where you are not based.

There are many events happening all the time. There are team drinks once a month and social nights out for project teams. There are more work related events as well, helping to promote the apprenticeship programs to others. On each project there are loads of opportunities to get involved with the local community and contribute outside of work.

Yes

A brilliant program, with great pay and fantastic opportunities for your future. Fully supported throughout your program and you have a job at the end of it all. Get into the industry early on and set yourself up with the right company. A great company to have on your CV.

Be genuine. You need to show a real interest in the industry and the company so do your research! The process is long but definitely worthwhile in the long run. Stay calm throughout your interview and be yourself.