Software Developer Review

As a Software Developer within BAE we are placed in teams to give a service to a client, these teams are built up of different types of developers as well as testers, support staff and other roles. Since we develop in an agile environment every day is different. Tasks are assigned to each developer for the day during the daily stand up where we discuss what we did yesterday and the plans for today. My responsibility is for my own development and tasks, however, help is always availble as we are all working towards the same goal.

I have developed more skills in such a short amount of time compared with Secondary School. I have developed team working skills and ways to communicate with different colleagues, these skills are essential to BAE and the promote time to reflect on your work and skills. Also, my coding and problem-solving ability has increased significantly. I feel much more confident due to all the resources they introduce to us. They provide us with a mentor and an apprentice or graduate buddy who is there to help us and guide us through the business.

I tell all my friends and family about how much I love coming to work, the hours are flexible and we are in charge of our own careers. I enjoy interacting with the people who work in the company and love all of the challenges we can face each day. Mondays are my favourite day of the week since I get to know what's lined up for me during the new week.

Our apprentice programme is structured custom to our role within BAE, this allows the company to choose the best modules to suit our career needs. We have a plan which has all of the dates of the modules we have to attend college for. At college, they are in 4-week cycles where the courses last either 1 or 2 weeks with a multiple-choice exam at the end. Estio provides us with all the resources to pass the exam. Our skills coach regularly checks in with us on a monthly basis either over Skype or Face to face, he does a reflection and review with me over the Portfolio we have to create and the support from our employer. The portfolio is a collection of objectives which we have to meet, the point is for us to have a collection of all our skills and knowledge I have generated. There are also support offered within the office with mentors and a line manager who regularly interacts with us and ensures we are okay within our role. As part of BAE, we are able to attend KT sessions which occur regularly, theses are Knowledge transfer where a subject specialist hosts an hour session on a specific topic. They are such a great way to learn a new skill.

I received as much as I needed from my employer. They have all the support networks set up within the organisation for mental health and other internal services as well for the Apprentices and Graduates within the company. There are people around who are willing to help with anything which could be portfolio based or even personal issues.

From our trainers, we can ask any questions we need to ask and they will offer to spend time with us individually on that topic. As well we get a lot of support in the form of practise papers and tasks which cover everything ready for the exam. This makes me feel totally prepared for the exam.

The qualifications through the provider are directly associated with our job role. Passing the relevant exams gives me confidence to perform within those areas. It also gives me more status within the role as an entry point into a project stating that I know that language or module. The Level 4 qualification gives me all the information I need for this job role.

There are multiple social clubs available to take part in. At Leeds, we have go-karting, skiing, board games, football, robotics and more. They are free to take part in however some may ask for a small contribution to cover some costs. As well there is also the annual Christmas party which is hosted within Leeds, this allows the interaction between all of the employees at the Leeds office. Also, there are regular pizza Fridays where the office comes together to eat pizza and have a chat at lunch.

Yes

It was the best choice of my life. The company is so inviting and doesn't feel like you're working purely due to the amount of enjoyment and interactions at the company. The daily life is different every day giving me new challenges to face and overcome with all the support needed.

I would suggest to be yourself within the application process and especially the interview. They are not looking for the smartest people or even ones with the most ability. BAE is looking for individuals with potential and passion for their role. Being passionate and determined as well as demonstrating this in your answers will give you a higher chance of being chosen, they sell people, not products.