Software Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

My role is as an apprentice software engineer. For the first three years this role involves rotating through a set of placements on different projects throughout the BAE Systems Yeovil office; the final year usually consists of a year placement, depending on project demands. The day-to-day work involved with the role includes work around all of the software lifecycle aspects, making the role varied. As well as work we attend university in Lancashire on a regular basis for the first three years.

There's something new to learn everyday in my role, whether that be from university or those that I work with. There's a wealth of knowledge within the company that can be used to learn and develop skill, including technical and soft skills. In addition to university and on the job training, there's also a range of training courses planned into the scheme in areas such as lean practice, etc.

The program has overall been an enjoyable one. I've been able to learn a range of technical skills and develop other skills in a safe environment, surrounded by professionals that are happy to provide guidence. The project placements have been a real highlight of the apprenticeship. The aspect that has made the apprenticeship less enjoyable is the organisation of the scheme - I do however see this improving rapidly, with more support in place. This lack of organisation and understanding has added additional stress that shouldn't have been there on an already demanding scheme; I don't see this being as big an issue in the near future.

Some aspects of the scheme have been very poorly planned, the most impactful of these is university. There seemed to be little planning around where our education would continue past the first 2 years and the third degree year was started late. This does seem to be rectified for future aprentices. 12 week reviews also don't occur as often as they should, with them often being further apart than 12 weeks.

The support given my placemet managers and team members has been brilliant. They're aware that we're still learning and provide support to guide us through the given tasks. They may also provide support with general questions around university work. Support hasn't always been present when it comes to time management to complete university work and level 4 diploma. Support has also been lacking with level 4 diploma work.

Training towards the degree qualififcation is completed in Lancashire, where we travel for a week at a time throughout the year to attend lectures at the university. Whilst present at university support has been given as required and when requested. In addition to this, support has been provided whilst away from university through remote communications.

The training provided during the final year of my apprenticeship has been relevant to my job role and has expanded my technical knowledge in a variety of topics at differing stages of the software development lifecycle. I'd have liked to have chosen modules that were more interesting to myself.

There are various extra-curricular activities to get involved in during the work week and other times of the year. At lunchtimes there are a few different groups that get together for activities such as sign-language lessons, board games, football, cycling, etc. Placement teams will also organise additional acitivities such as a christmas meal, celebrations, etc.

Yes

I'd reccommend apprenticeships to a friend as an alternative way to gain a degree without a student loan. Apprenticeships give valuable experience and allow you to gain skills that you wouldn't through a standard university course. The apprenticeship is tough and requires a lot fo commitment, but is overall a great choice for a career.

I'd reccommend that they try to gain as much information on the section of the company that they are joining as possible; e.g. by attending open evenings. I'd reccommed that they try and understand the structure of the scheme to see if it suits their needs and wants in terms of timescales, travel, learning, etc.