Developer Review

My role is a mainly java based development revolving around a database and data manipulation. This means creating code for getting data from the data base and presenting it to stakeholders, creating ways to adjust the data depending on stakeholders requests and also loading the data into our data base

Coming into the apprenticeship, I had very little coding knowledge so seeing as I am now more than competent in over 4 computing languages, I'd definitely say yes. Having the combination of university and work learning skills is a huge benefit and means I'm able to learn how to implement the skills I am learning actively.

I really enjoy my program and have actually recommended it to quite a few of my friends. Like I said, having the benefit of university and work side by side is awesome for learning skills. Plus being paid for it at the same time keeps you striving for the best.

As I was one of the first apprentices in the region for my company, there have definitely been a few kinks along the way. However we have seen a massive improvement on the structure since we started and the next lot of apprentices coming through will reek the rewards of it.

We get as much support as we need from our employer, all we really need to do is ask. Whether it be for University work or a project we are working on in office, I have multiple people about that I am able to reach out to for any support.

As I said before, there are definitely a few kinks that are being ironed out with this part of our apprenticeship. As the first year for this, the support was originally lacking on the training end with university, but the support has got considerably better as time has gone by.

To be honest, I have had to use what I have been learning at university in my role, but at such a lower level to what is needed. Its more like I have been learning the technical side in my role and then later on the theory of it in the training.

Yeah, there are tonnes of activities available for all shapes and sizes. There are emails that go around weekly advertising options available to us and then you are able to sign up and go along at your own pace. There's even a social once a month to meet people from other teams.

Yes

The apprenticeship program they have got set up seems to be one of the best around from speaking to others with other companies. Being able to get paid a decent salary working 4 days a week in serious roles while working towards a degree as well is an amazing opportunity.

Be yourself, be ready to work hard and enjoy the challenge. Be prepared for a massive challenge and some late nights, which could be in work meeting a deadline, or for uni exams and coursework. Embrace the challenge though, its all worth it in the end and some of the skills you learn could kick you onto bigger and better things