Rating

10/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • I am currently a big data engineer transforming data from legacy tables into new tables that will eventually be used by the bank for querying data. An interesting program that ranges from Sequential querying to functional programming using Scala. It is extremely interesting and am learning new things every day.

    10/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • When on my training I found it very difficult to learn SQL as I thought it was a boring language. Seeing it used in industry I have been opened up to the possibilities of what can be done and have improved my knowledge greatly. Furthermore, I have also improved my Apache spark skills and learnt what it is actually used for in industry.

    10/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • I enjoy it as it allows me to learn new things and conquer new objectives everyday. A programme that does the same thing everyday can become boring and tiresome and this is not something that you want. The Santander programme is extremely good and would encourage anyone to do it.

    10/10

  • 4. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • The program is extremely well structured. I have different tasks set each week which help to expand my knowledge. We are an agile team so the work is structured very well and you have people to explain what you need to do. Furthermore, you have the opportunity to start of with the small tasks and then move on to the bigger ones.

    10/10

  • 5. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • I receive a lot of support from my employer. One to one meetings to coding support if needed. There only a chair away and am able to ask them anything if I have any doubts. They also hold reflections in order to see how I am progressing and give me ways that I might be able to improve.

    10/10

  • 6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
  • Lots of support from my training provider only a phone call away. Would like to point out that they are extremely helpful and will also query anything if I have a problem. QA are very good and ensure that the transition from training to employment is right at home. Overall, very good.

    10/10

  • 7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
  • It motivates me to work harder. Whilst difficult at times, its extremely helpful to have something to look forward at the end of the day. Would definitely recommend this to traditional university as it motivates you and you are also getting paid at the end of the day. Which feels good when you receive it at the end of the month.

    10/10

  • 8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
  • There are a lot of extra curricular activities to get involved in such as coding classes, agile classed. Of if you fancy getting fit then you can join the five a side football team, make a load of mates and have a few pints down the pub. Something well deserved at the end of a long hard work.

    10/10

  • 9a. Would you recommend Santander to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • Extremely interesting opportunity that will help to improve your skills in the workplace. Will allow you to constantly learn and be able to take what you learn with you for the rest of your life. Furthermore, you will be on a salary and you wont need to pay for a university degree.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Santander?
  • Don't be afraid to fail, many people that join think that they will get in trouble. This is not the case, if you find something difficult, don't be afraid to ask. At the end of the day there not there to tell you off, they are there to help you learn skills that you can take for later life.


Details

Degree Apprenticeship

Information Technology

East Midlands

April 2019


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