Software Engineer Review

I'm a software engineer so I write custom code to solve problems that our customers have. We work in an agile framework using scrum so the day starts with a quick daily stand-up/meeting before moving onto our tasks for the day, be it meetings, bug hunting, code reviews or addressing new problems.

I have learnt to code in JS and Java, using multiple frameworks and libraries such as React, Node, Express, Springboot and others. I have learnt MySQL and NoSQL databases and can use both with competency. I have learnt how to automate testing and deploy my projects to a cloud environment.

My program has been very enjoyable, everyone has been extremely welcoming and friendly. The content has been presented in a competent manner and trainers made an effort to ensure that everyone understood what was being taught. The other apprentices were also very friendly and gave the course a communal feel of us all working together.

The structure of the programme has been a bit confusing at times with different organisers have differing views on what and when tasks need to be done. This is an ongoing issue but has not really affected the usefulness of the training. This is hopefully a point of improvement for future apprentice cohorts.

Support for the employer has been very good, they have been very understanding with the difficulties of integrating into a new business (especially at the current time). They have help to finance my move to live closer to the business and the pay throughout the process is easily enough to live off alone.

The training provider was very good for the training period with multiple days dedicated to working on exam prep for the exams and material being provided to help pass the exam, time has been given on non-working days to assist apprentices and help has never been further than a message away.

The qualification process taught me a lot about web specific technologies and how to use them correctly. This in turn allows me to use said tech in a more efficient and professional manner. The products I work on therefore are better and the customer more happy with my additions to them.

During the training there was a Friday drinks held each Friday for all apprentices and trainers to participate in with board games and sometimes snacks. There was also football organised weekly for free. At work I am informed there are weekly/monthly meetups however due to the coronavirus these are all on hold for now.

Yes

They are a good employer to work for who support their employees, give us interesting different challenges to work on and are big on internal improvement. The opportunities I will get working for BAE are ones I am unlikely to find in another business, especially one with the level of support there is here.

Be personable, skills can be learnt and taught. BAE seem more interested in a persons ability to work well in a team and collaborate. If you are engaged in the work, personable and work well in a team then this is a place that would be perfect to apply for.