Software Engineering Associate Review

Apprentices take on many different roles at Accenture. In my previous role, I worked in Release Management, whereby I updated excel trackers to monitor the go-live of more than 600 applications. I also created MI decks which were sent to senior members of staff for review. These were used to monitor the performance of the project as a whole. I was also the PMO correspondent for my project, and so ensured that all meetings/rooms were booked and that everyone on my team had suitable equipment.

I definitely have learnt an array of skills during my two years at Accenture. In my first year, I was an Automated Tester and learnt how to code automation scripts using C# in the Selenium webdriver. I also completed manual testing here. More recently during my Release Management role, I have developed my Excel and Powerpoint skills- something I feel will be of great use to me in the future when I take on new roles. I have also developed skills relating to maintaining interpersonal relationships and networking. Again, I feel this will come in very useful during my career.

I definitely enjoy the apprenticeship programme at Accenture, and I am glad that I chose to do this over uni. We are fortunate to have a good work-studying balance, and I enjoy going to QA to complete my degree. Although we get a competitive salary and I am very grateful for this, particularly considering my age, it can be hard to come up to London every day due to the cost of this for me. I live in Zone 8 and so it would be easier and less stressful if the wages were a bit better, but I am aware that this is a choice I made and I am very grateful for what we receive. I also feel that the apprentices would be happier in general if we had more apprentice events. For instance, at Christmas there was an apprentice ice-skating get-together, but only first years and a select few from other years were invited. This reduced morale across the apprentices, as we wanted to spend time together at Christmas. It would also be good if we could get promoted within the apprenticeship scheme, as this provides incentive to continue working hard. At present, we cannot get promoted at all. Some of my colleagues asked me if they could put me up for promotion but I wasn't able to do so.

The programme is fairly well organised in terms of colleagues at Accenture being aware as to the structure of the apprenticeship programme, although some have no clue. It would be good for all staff to be briefed on the programme so they are aware as to the general structure prior to them employing an apprentice on their projects. In terms of QA, they are fairly unorganised. I started my level six course two months ago and I still have not received all of my module dates. This can be frustrating and can reduce morale for myself and other apprentices.

We receive a fair amount of support from Accenture, and most staff that are aware of the apprenticeship programme are fair when it comes to us attending university days. Having said this, some apprentices have been refused leave for university days and this is not very fair. We have a good HR function that we know are there if we need them.

We receive a little support from QA, albeit not too much. We attend two university days at the start of the module, and two at the end, going in once more at the end for any exams that we have. QA's Canvas site isn't all that great and the materials aren't amazing but it's definitely not awful.

I don't really feel that I have learnt many transferable skills to the workplace through QA. The degree itself hasn't helped me to complete my role to a higher standard.

There are some extra-curricular activities, however not many. As previously mentioned, myself and the other apprentices have discussed how we would like there to be more apprentice events like the ice skating in December that was only for select people. We feel that this would boost morale and it would allow us to network more and develop relationships with people. If we had at least one event a month, this would be great.

Yes

I would recommend Accenture as I feel that I have learnt a lot on this job. For me personally, doing this apprenticeship was better than going to university as I could earn and learn simultaneously. I would tell a friend that we get paid a decent wage for apprentices our age, and I'd say that they do support you with your learning for the most part.

I would encourage them to do background reading as to the company and case studies that can be found on the Accenture website. I would briefly explain the programme structure and how there aren't opportunities to be promoted whilst you're an apprentice as I feel this would be a key factor for some potential apprentices. I would also tell them about the lack of apprentice socials as again I feel this would be a deterrent for some people.