Apprentice Software Developer Review

My role is to help to develop software at BAE Systems AI by working in a team environment and using software development methodologies such as Agile to streamline development. On a day to day basis I work on my main project as well as various side projects undertaken with other employees and apprentices.

I have learnt many new skills in countless programming languages and IT technologies: I have used languages like JavaScript that I have never used before, and become competent enough to write code and use JS in a side project. I have also added concrete knowledge to languages I have used before such as Python and Java - getting to use these in the workplace really shows the strengths and weaknesses of the language.

I am thoroughly enjoying the programme. The training and qualifications were great, and I enjoy being at work. The people are friendly and approachable, and the work is diverse and exciting. The opportunities to branch and work in different parts of the company is also appealing and work is never boring.

The programme feels very structured and organised. I have multiple documents giving information on the dates of training, what training it will be and the qualifications I will earn, how long I will spend on and off the job etc. I also have a skills coach assigned to me and receive a review every 12 weeks which feels very structured.

I feel like I receive a good amount of support from my employer. People here are very helpful and with this and information from the intranet and other sources you can't go far wrong. If you have a problem with anything - whether it be in or outside work - there is someone to talk to.

The support from the training provider is great. They are helpful, knowledgeable teachers and if you have a problem they can easily explain it to you and help you to understand any issues. Throughout my current training I have had 3 trainers, 2 of which were great. The other trainer was not as good and made learning harder than the other trainers.

I feel like my qualifications definitely help me perform better in my role as well as knowledge they gave me confidence in my skills and allowed me to take on challenges I feel like I may have not taken on otherwise. It also allows me to show what I am skilled in to others.

There are a range of extra-curricular activities to get involved in. There are regular social events as well as sports teams. I am currently involved in the office 5-a-side football team for example. There is also a go karting event every month or so in which employees can get involved.

Yes

Because I feel like it is a great company to work at and grow your career. It is at the forefront of technology in the UK and is an especially good for people wanting to go down routes such as software development and cyber security however there is a breadth of opportunities available.

Be yourself and show why you deserve the job over others. Show skills that your job role would need - ie problem solving for software development or persuasion and cohesion for a consultant. Make yourself stand out from the crowd by showing you have a genuine passion for your desired subject.