Software Engineer Review

The day to day role consists of using agile training. This is where you work in a team based environment and give one another daily updates of what your current tasks are, whilst discussing what has gone well and what has gone good. You also lay down what your targets are. On a daily basis I am stuck into my computer using java based programs such as Eclipse and RTC in which I am altering code in a way it benefits the company and our applications.

I have learnt a variety of skills. Before I signed up to the apprenticeship I had no knowledge in coding or had I worked in an office environment before. I have learnt how to apply agile training methods to my daily work and have also learnt bits and pieces of coding languages. I've mostly spent time learning JavaScript to gain the fundamentals of coding and Lloyds provide training via Lynda which is very useful to teach you how to code. I have also spent time learning how to use Java via the eclipse tool.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme. The people I work with in the office are so friendly and always try to give me as much help as possible. It has given me a change to go to a lot of new places, meet a lot of new people (other apprentices are great) as well as making me feel important and a sense of achievement.

The program is well structured. When you first join, you spend a little while getting used to your surroundings as well as trying to complete training's and learn the coding side of things yourself. Firebrand have spent some time trying to perfect the course and when you start you straight away knuckling down and learning the coding via their intense course structure.

I receive a lot from the employer. My line manager is great and helps me on a daily basis, but the guys in the office are all super friendly. Any questions you have you can ask as they want you to ask questions and want to help. They are there pushing you every step and helping you with any issues you may have.

The training provider does provide a lot of training as well. You spend a day a week at home away from the work of the office and doing a weekly diary to keep track of what you have learnt. Over the 16 months you spend time down with the training provider to smash out some courses to help you gain the experience required to go away and perform the coding on an individual level.

The qualification will help me better myself in my role as it will have taught me how to code on a successful level. How to actually begin coding, where to start etc. These are both things I wouldn't have been able to do on my own at home and therefore being taught by experienced people who know what they are talking about is great.

There are a few you can. There are a lot of social events that you can go to better you knowledge of what is happening at Lloyds and they also provide training sessions. There's been a few Ask me Anythings with senior team members who have taught you how they rose up the business and a bit about their background. We have networking events as well that allow us to meet other Lloyds people and hearing them speak about their work alongside their teams.

Yes

The company has a exceptional reputation, but the people you work with are also great. The company really does take good care of the people that work for it with a variety of benefits, as well as always implementing new things to maximize the work created. They are heavily pushing apprentices and its great to have such a good company behind me and pushing to be the best I can.

I would recommend that you just be yourself, go to the assessment day with an open mind. I personally found it incredibly hard, but that's the design of the day. You might think its very hard but in reality you've done well and smashed it. So don't worry, just be yourself and you'll be fine. You don't require a background in any of the courses you wish to join as like I said, I had the bare bones experience.