Software Developer Review

My current role at CGI is Java developer. I've been in this role for about a year and a half. In the morning I will attend a stand up, to talk about what jobs were done yesterday and what I'm going to do today. I will then pickup a ticket from Jira or continue one from the previous day.

I have learned many new technologies since starting my apprenticeship. The list is exhaustive. I've also learned a lot of non technical skills, like time keeping etc. The technical skills I have learned are: Java Java Spring HTML CSS ReactJS Angular SQL MongoDB Azure Linux Bash Shell And that is just some of them.

I don't enjoy the programme as such. The two training providers I have had while on the apprenticeship have been really unorganised. This isn't CGI's fault though. First training provider QA the training was poor and most of my learning was done in the office. The second training provider was University where I have learned a lot. But it hasn't been easy due to it being unorganised and there being a complete lack of communication.

I don't enjoy the programme as such. The two training providers I have had while on the apprenticeship have been really unorganised. This isn't CGI's fault though. First training provider QA the training was poor and most of my learning was done in the office. University where I have learned a lot. But it hasn't been easy due to it being unorganised and there being a complete lack of communication. On top of this. Apprentices are meant to regularly move around dev teams. To get exposure to different ways of working and different technologies. Unfortunately I did not get this opportunity as I have been on the same project for a year and a half.

I receive as much support as I need from my employer and more. My managers and mentors are always interested in my concerns and there is never a stupid question. Any issues I go to them with are always resolved or looked into. There is many different lines of support.

The support from training providers is pretty poor. In current classes the Tutors don't really seem like they have a clue. There is a complete lack of communication from the provider and any information that is shared is usually contradicted by another lecturer/supervisor. I do enjoy University as it breaks my week up and allows me to learn things, I otherwise wouldn't get a chance too.

After completing my first apprenticeship, I really didn't feel I had learned anything that I could apply to work. Anything I wanted to learn, I was going to have to teach myself and learn through working. University on the other hand, I feel I have learned a lot I can apply to work, especially the skills used at Uni for managing time.

CGI run a sports and social club for each area. Subsidised or free events are organised and put on. Like goal karting, laser quest etc. Colleagues also organise board game nights and other events. There is also going to be a monthly night get together, that the three teams come together and go for drinks etc.

Yes

Everyone in my office is really friendly, its really relaxed and I'm never scared to ask a question. I've heard some horror stories from apprenticeships and I can safely say I haven't experienced them at CGI. There is always someone here to help and the people I work with want everyone and the organisation to do well.

Do your research before you go into the interview. Learn about what CGI is/does. If you are going for a technical role, do some training on a technology so you are ahead of the curve. Show your value, show how you can make CGI better. Keep an eye on the careers website.