Software developer apprentice Review

Within my role as a software development apprentice, I am learning to create and maintain mobile applications for Android smartphones using the Java programming language. My daily role includes implementing new feature requests and fixing any bugs or issues with our Android applications. I also on occasion review and test work completed by other members of the team to ensure any code added to the final product is to a high standard.

I have learnt how to develop applications in the Java programming language for the Android mobile platform as well as how to publish applications to the Google Play store to allow the application to be publicly accessible. I have also learnt how to use Git when developing a project within a team; how to create new branches, commit edits and pull branches into the final project. My role has also helped me develop me communication skills as many members of my team work remotely or other offices. I am now much more confident in communication over Slack as well as other platforms as well as giving continuous updates to the team on what I'm working on.

I have really enjoyed all aspects of my programme. The course is delivered in a classroom style instead of the more traditional lectures. This allows for an easier and deeper understanding of topics while also being able to ask questions to your lecturer more confidently. Jisc has also been very supportive with both on the job learning and university learning. They allow me enough time to study to allow me to get the highest grade I can while also teaching me new things each day on the job and allowing me to put new skills I learn at university into practise

The whole programme is very well structured throughout. The university provided us with all our assignment due dates and lesson plans clearly explains and available from day one. When I first started my induction was very informative. I felt fully informed and prepared for everything from day one. The training I received has been very useful and relevant to my role and I still receive more training in different areas from time to time. Jisc is very good as supporting me through the course with my manager always available to help me and having catch-up sessions with me about my study as well as work. I also have a mentor who helps me with both on the job and university work when I need a bit of help. Everyone within the team I work in is helpful and kind; always willing to help if I need it.

My manager and I have regular meetings and catchups to discuss how my university course is going and if I need any support with anything. I have been given a mentor who does the same job role as me so it is very easy to get help and support from him when needed and will check up on me from time to time to see how I'm getting on with both work and study. The whole company has been very supportive of me, not just my manager, mentor and team but everyone I have spoken to.

I study at Weston College (UCW) once a week for a full day. This day is split up into segments with different subject specialists. These lecturers are very supportive. They are always open to questions and will support you in any way that can. My tutor will ask commonly how everyone is doing and have a one-to-one discussion and give feedback on assignments if I request it, it's optional. Overall everyone is helpful and friendly and willing to support me when I need it. Overall very pleasant experience.

In areas that are relevant to my specific role within Jisc the qualification has been very useful. It has helped me learn and understand the more technical aspects of my job that I have needed in my day to day tasks while also teaching me best practice. In areas that aren't directly related to my role in Jisc the qualification isn't as helpful to my day to day work. Most of the stuff taught is still useful to learn the basics of however to much deep knowledge in certain areas don't feel as useful.

While I don't currently get involved in networking with colleagues often the few times I have have been very useful. The directorate I'm a part of within Jisc do away day's once a year with quarterly meet-ups throughout the year. This has been really useful in feeling included while also meeting people who you work with but may be far away. I have also attended a few professional events which allows me to meet professions from different companies with different specialties. Due to these events I have had the ability to travel to different offices around the country and meet new people. Also after meetings, the team normally hang around for a chat and socialise afterwards.

Yes

Everyone within Jisc is kind and accepting of each other which allows for each collaboration with colleagues. Also people are willing to help you if they need support. They are very supportive of me while studying and also help me to learn while still giving me the trust to work on real projects with the rest of the team. They allow for decent flexible working patterns and also give you opportunities to go to different places for meetings and events.

The interview process consists of group interviews with a challenge to overcome together. Remember to put ideas forward while also including others. Don't try to out talk others, the loudest voice isn't always the best. Also, you may get a thinking question. They want to see how you think through a scenario to come to a conclusion, not necessarily expecting a solution. How many tennis balls are in the air right now? During the first week you will have a lot of information given to you all at once, probably over the course of a few induction days. You won't remember it all so don't feel bad for asking questions afterwards. You will have opportunities to go to meetings and events in different offices. Most meetings can be done remote but I recommend going to some in person to get to know people who work far away.