Apprentice software engineer Review

On a day to day basis, I spend time shadowing more experienced team members in different departments so that I can get a better understanding of all of the teams necessary for completing a software end product and why their role is important. I use Pluralsight and code academy to build my knowledge of different programming languages and am set small challenges to complete so that I can practically apply what I am learning. I also spend time in knowledge transfer meetings to gain valuable skills and get a better insight into the way that people here at BAE work. I am able to ask questions to team members around me if I am unsure of anything and everyone is there to help, making my day to day life in the office both challenging and rewarding!

When I first started my apprenticeship here at BAE Systems, I had very little previous knowledge about software engineering and programming which has not affected my ability to progress and succeed one bit. After attending college to learn new programming languages and sit exams, I feel much more confident that I can be successful and achieve just as much as those who came with bucket loads of previous knowledge. I have learnt three new languages in just 3 months and get to practically apply these new skills everyday by completing small challenges and tasks to push myself to achieve the best that I can do. I have also learnt what it is like to work a full time job in an office environment, having never done this before, I found this one of the biggest challenges until I devised a routine and got myself organised. Also, I have learnt the many ways in which a business can adapt working styles to suit different teams. On a personal note, BAE Systems have really helped me to grow in my self confidence and learn how to be resilient and what my learning/working styles are.

I enjoy this programme to a good extent. I have learnt a lot about myself and the company in the last few months and believe that I am learning something new everyday. I enjoy that there is a wide variety of different people with different levels of expertise who will never turn their back on you if you need anything or are unsure of anything, this, is what makes the programme the most enjoyable. Despite this, there are times that I find myself with little or no work to do when a team are nearing the end of deployment which can make the days feel a lot longer and I feel like I am being less productive. With that in mind, I do use that time wisely to build my portfolio and widen my network of people who I can turn to to help me.

When we first joined the company we were put on two week rotations around the different teams within the office so that we could get a feel for what each team does and start to make a decision about which team most interested us. This was well structured and our career manager had remote fortnightly reviews with us to see how we were getting on before we headed off to college for five weeks, unfortunately, now as time has progressed, I find myself with little/no structure at all which can be difficult as sometimes I am unsure who to turn to. I do feel like our programme does need more structure to make the experience better and to help me remain organised and supported.

Although there is always someone I can talk to, our main career manager provides very little support. The frequent progression and wellness reviews we (as apprentices) are supposed to have are non-existent which makes it difficult to know who to turn to when you need support. Despite this, there are others in the office who I can speak to, should I need to, regarding my wellbeing.

Our training provider has been excellent. Myself and the other apprentices have frequent fortnightly reviews over Skype and monthly reviews where we are visited in our office to talk about our wellbeing, what is required of us to achieve good grades in our apprenticeship and to talk about any concerns that we may face. When attending college, we are given various resources to help us learn and better our skills and knowledge as well as being able to sit exams when we feel that we are ready to. The frequent reviews, wellbeing chats and support we are given makes sitting exams much more relaxed and much easier to handle!

As mentioned before, I had very little previous knowledge about software engineering and programming before I started at BAE Systems and attending our training provider has helped with this so much. The skills and knowledge I have gained there make performing well in my job role much easier and less stressful. Although exams can cause emotions to run high, I have found that by sitting and passing them I have achieved personal goals that reflect well through the work that I produce as I feel more motivated and productive. Being provided with numerous resources by our training provider helps a lot when I am confused as I have something helpful to turn to. I firmly believe that because of this, my successes have heightened in my role.

There are many social activities that are supported and made up by the people at my office. Some of these are: magic, robotics, skiing, golf and many more. We even have our own football team. These help to build professional networks and also allow you to have fun outside of an office environment with people who you spend your working life with. There are sometimes charity events to raise money which are organised by different staff members that are fun and money raised goes to great causes.

Yes

My time here has been enjoyable, challenging and rewarding. I have learnt a lot about myself over the last few months of being here and would definitely recommend this programme and company to other people. The challenges that you face and overcome make reaching goals extremely rewarding. There is a lot of opportunity for progression and you are never made to feel like just an apprentice.

It is most important to act professionally, be reliable and be willing to learn and push yourself. By doing so, you willingness to learn and be punctual will be highly respected. Another thing I would say is that BAE value employees who have potential to learn and do well. It is not just about your previous knowledge and skills but about what you can achieve. I have also found that the employees here are very diverse and everybody is valued.