Rating

8.5/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • Working in a team to create software solutions for the retail insurance market. This includes everything from the initial architectural design of a system to bug fixes and support.

    10/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • I have learned loads of new skills, mainly in the workplace. I came into the apprenticeship with little to no knowledge of the software world and with little to no technical skills. I am now a valued member of the team and able to add value to the work that we do.

    10/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • I really enjoy my job but not so much the university side of things. There is a lot of work at university that is not related to my job role and is forgotten as soon as it is handed in. I really enjoy what I do day to day in the office.

    7/10

  • 4. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • The office side of things is very well structured. It started off a little less structured as we were the first apprentices that the company had ever taken on so it was a learning curve for both of us. University is very hit and miss. This has been the same throughout the course.

    7/10

  • 5. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • My employer offers me as much support as I require and they are really very flexible. They are able to offer me support with whatever I require and I know how to go about getting this support when it is needed. Generally, not much support is required and I am able to be self-sufficient for most of my role.

    10/10

  • 6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
  • University offers loads of support, both online and in the office. This ranges from anything work-wise to any issues that I may have in my personal life. They have been very thorough and reach out to you at every opportunity to ensure that you are okay. They are especially good at responding to serious issues such as covid-19 and a recent local serious crime that occurred in manchester.

    10/10

  • 7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
  • I don't really feel that the qualification adds much to my current role. I understand that businesses find it important that their employees have these qualifications but I ultimately learn the majority of my skills in the workplace and from my colleagues. That is not to say that I haven't benefitted from the university thought and there have been times that I have been able to implement something that I have recently learned at university in my role.

    4/10

  • 8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
  • There are plenty of activities to get involved in such as conferences and hackathons. CDL are always promoting events and encouraging staff members to get involved and network with local business and schools. CDL offers a lot of charity work and sponsors many events. They do great work in the community.

    10/10

  • 9a. Would you recommend CDL to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • CDL is a brilliant company. They offer a hugely flexible work-life balance and the job comes with loads of benefits. The other employees are incredible and make the job a lot more enjoyable. CDL push to use the latest technologies and empower the staff to be their best and promote themselves.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to CDL?
  • Show that you have a real passion to work in tech and that you are eager to push yourself to constantly develop your skillset. Look into CDL core values and ask yourself if they are values that you can see yourself working towards. If they are then you will be a great addition to CDL.


Details

Degree Apprenticeship

Information Technology

Stockport

March 2020


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