Apprentice Review

I am a computing apprentice currently working in my second 6 month rotation of departments. Currently my job role has a day to day variation of tasks including coding for and maintaining different projects for use within the company. Currently I am working on creating a user interface for securely sending data via email to users.

When I started the job my only experience with coding was very basic python and html skills. Since starting I have further developed these skills into applying my code to web front-ends in addition to learning CSS and Javascript. I have also learned about systems development and its real world application in organisations.

I have found the hands on learning experience to be incredibly useful and enjoyable, working in teams has also given me great insight into the inner workings of the organisation. Though initially a little lonely at first the apprentice scheme has given me many opportunities to meet, learn from and befriend other apprentices.

My program is very well structured with a clear time set for curriculum study and induction processes with line managers that walks you through all the information and training you need to get going in each new rotation. We also have clear times booked for each of our training workshops.

Plenty of support is offered by my employer through line managers, apprentice coordinators and a mentor program. Support within job roles can vary between rotations as individual line managers can vary in their availability or the quality of support they can offer you, however your senior line manager is always available should you encounter any issues.

I receive plenty of support from my training provider through workshops, skills coach progress reviews which occur every six weeks, and extra online seminars or tutorials on academic skills. Our skills coach is very easily accessible and is our first point of contact should we encounter any problems when working towards our qualification.

The qualification modules we study for are all in the subject of improving our skills as software engineers within a business environment. As such we are taught both practical skills for our work projects in coding, and the inner workings and operation of various businesses that are relevant to our line of work.

the Science and Technology Facilities Council offers many extra curricular activities and benefits such as many indoor and outdoor sports clubs and internal leisure activities. I also believe there are some opportunities for music groups ranging from casual gatherings to choirs and bands. STFC also provides many opportunities for internal networking through organised events.

Yes

The apprenticeship scheme at STFC begins at a very reasonable level for those with some foundational knowledge of coding or computer systems and through the use of rotations through different departments within the company allows for these skills to grow and develop through hands on experience while earning while you are also learning for a full degree.

I would advise that even if your knowledge of computing is very basic that the best thing you can do is to be enthusiastic about applying and show an open readiness to learning more regardless of your current skill level. I believe that the company appreciates a willingness to learn and put in effort more than innate talent.