Apprentice Software Engineer Review

Working on the HCIs of submarine systems. Day to day I follow the specification for the current project and make changes to an already existing display. As time goes on the project will involve adding new features

I already knew how to program but programming in Java has been new to me. I have also developed many soft skills like presenting. I have also learned general business skills just how companies work, how projects work etc.

Sometimes its good, sometimes its stressful and sometimes it can be slow. Its good when I have things to be getting on with at work because I feel genuinely helpful and its the time when I'm really developing my practical skills. Its slow sometimes when the work that needs doing is too far outside my knowledge. And its stressful when theres uni assigments due.

It's well organised because its a degree program. Assigments are due as they would be if you were a full time graduate.

Full support. I have a really strong support team. I have a mentor who works with me on project and sets tasks for me appropriately. I have a manager who is always on top of what I'm doing. And i have countless colleagues who would be willing to help. I'm also allowed work time to complete uni assignments which helps. I also have a tutor from uni who keeps track of both my uni work and work work

Again, because its a degree you get the same amount of support that a lecturer would offer an undergraduate. Although you're only in uni one day a week theyre always available to call or drop in if you need. Most lecturers offer support sessions top and theres always things on the moodle

Unfortunately I'm not sure how helpful my degree is towards what I do in work. Sometimes its nice to see the theory behind what you're doing in work but otherwise I learn alot of real world skills from being employed. However in later years of the course, the assigments link to your day job.

There are different social groups that are officially through work but theres also alot of unofficial groups of people that do social activities together outside of work. People always keep you in the loop though so its not a clicky environment. Always fun to be had and friends to make within work

Yes

Because its a relaxed office environment and everyone is really friendly. For a first job I was terrified and I feel like I settled in fairly quickly and that was due to the people around me.

To just be yourself. There's no point joining any company if you're not going to fit in with the people around you. Show some passion for what you do and just be you.