Software Development Technician Review

As a software development apprentice my main task is to produce software based on design documents given to me. I also participate in meetings such as the daily standup meeting, as I am part of an Agile team. I take part in sprints, and my role within this is to work with business analysts, my team lead, QA and other developers to ensure that sprint deliverables are met on time.

The main skills I have gained are Java, SQL and C# coding. I have learnt Java and SQL through my daily role, and I have learnt C# through training courses. I have learnt how to use the IDEs Eclipse and IntelliJ and also the DBMS Toad. I have also developed my Agile skills through using Agile practices in work and also through training courses. I have gained new skills by using industry standard software like Jira and Git. As well as this, I have developed my knowledge of banking through internal courses.

On the whole I enjoy my apprenticeship at UBS. My positives include the company culture which is very welcoming and receptive to feedback from apprentices. I also enjoy my role as a software developer and working within technology at a bank. However, this is the first year that UBS has ran a software development apprentice program so understandably there have been a few teething problems. I would like there to be better awareness of the apprentice program as I am often mistaken for a university intern, so my knowledge level is presumed to be at a University level rather than a Level 3 apprenticeship level. However, I am working with a senior staff member to resolve this issue. As well as this, the training method used by the training provider has made the apprenticeship less enjoyable as I don't find the 'accelerated' learning beneficial. Over time I believe this issues will be resolved and the apprenticeship will be more enjoyable.

Due to the apprenticeship being in its first year there have been some organisation issues. On UBS' side the issues have been minimal, the HR team in charge of the apprenticeships are very helpful and receptive to feedback. The induction was also very helpful and enjoyable. My line manager is also supportive, and I have weekly meeting with him to ensure that everything is going well. I am usually given adequate time to study and complete projects. One thing that could be improved is task delegation as I often find that there isn't much work that is at my level, so I would like either to be given work that will be challenging to me or be able to work with a colleague so there is less time where I don't have much to do. The training provider has been somewhat disorganised and I am slightly disappointed with the choice of training provider. My learning mentor is very helpful but the company as a whole is a bit disorganised. I also dislike the 'accelerated training' they provide as I don't feel this method of learning is suitable for apprentices.

UBS is very supportive to apprentices. My line manager is very keen to ensure that I progress well and I have weekly meetings with him to discuss my progress and any issues I'm having, The HR team are also helpful and approachable. I have a meeting with my learning mentor every month which is useful as he is very knowledgeable about the apprenticeship and provides guidance on my work-based projects.

The support received from the training provider is mixed. My learning mentor is very good and responds to my requests for help very promptly. The training side is not as good. There have been some issues with the training provider which have been addressed. They are quite disorganised and I do not enjoy the training method as I find cram learning unhelpful as I do not retain the information. However, the pre-learning materials they provide are generally useful and informative.

Generally, the training received/qualification is applicable to my day-to-day role. I have put into practice what I have learnt for the software methodologies exam as my team follows the Agile methodology. Unfortunately the programming courses are taught in C# and Microsoft SQL (I use Java and Oracle SQL) however I am still able to apply this learning to my work as the broad concepts are the same/similar.

There are many opportunities for extra-curricular activities within UBS. There are company 'networks' for various topics (e.g. mental health, women in technology, LGBTQ+, apprentices etc.) which anyone can get involved in. All of these networks have regular social events which are great for meeting people outside your own department. UBS also advertises volunteering opportunities and encourages employees to participate in volunteering.

Yes

It is very enjoyable to work for UBS as there are many opportunities to progress, you are supported by your team, line manager and HR, the company provides you with numerous benefits (such as gym membership etc.), the networks are great for socialising, and on the whole I am happy with the apprenticeship program.

I would advise others applying to UBS to research not only UBS as a company but also be knowledgeable about the department you are applying to. For example, if you are applying as a technology apprentice you should be aware of current trends in technology, specifically ones that may benefit or impact banking. The interview process at UBS is relatively less stressful than other large companies as it is only two 30 minute interviews compared to whole assessment days, so it is definitely less nerve-wracking!