Level 6 Software Engineer Degree Apprentice Review

I'm a software engineer and I spend most days programming, completing user stories set by the team I work in. However, because I'm an apprentice colleagues are always happy to help me if I need it. Whenever I don't have as much Vodafone work to do, I focus on my QA work until my next 1-1 meeting with my manager where I ask if there's anything else that I can help with.

I have vastly developed my programming experience. Since starting the apprenticeship I've used a variety of different languages for different applications including python, C, Lua and JavaScript to name a few. I have worked a lot with devices such as the raspberry pi and Arduino Uno as well and have really enjoyed all of this.

I really enjoy my programme and although obviously sometimes I may get stuck with a task which can be frustrating, weekly 1 to 1 meetings with my manager and help from other colleagues helps me any problems I have and ensures I always have something interesting to work on. It has definitely exceeded my expectations because I have been made to feel as part of the team rather than just an apprentice with no experience.

Admittedly, leading up to the start of the apprenticeship there were quite a few times where I felt that information could have been sent across quicker and clearer. I felt the induction became quite dragged out and could have been shortened to 2 days instead of 3 because by the last day a lot of people were finding it hard to concentrate. At the moment, the Vodafone side of the apprenticeship is very organised and we have bi-weekly calls with (head of apprenticeships) to highlight any issues we have with the apprenticeship. I have weekly 1-1 meetings with my manager where I can highlight any issues I have.

I receive as much support as I need from my manager and colleagues in my team. Everyone in my team has always been very kind and agreed to help me whenever I've asked for help. We also had 'buddies' that were apprentices from the previous intake to help us with any problems we had and help us settle into the company which was very nice.

I can't say I've been blown away by QA. They have always been very last-minute with notifications and don't ever seem to send out the correct information to everyone. Getting feedback for assignments and getting information about when new modules start is extremely difficult. However, my skills coach at QA is helpful so I can't complain too much

The two modules that I have completed so far haven't really helped at all with my day-to-day job. Having said that, the modules taken for the level 4 qualification are meant to give all apprentices base knowledge for level 5 and 6, so as I progress to the level 5 and 6 qualifications, I will be able to complete modules focused on software engineering more than before.

I don't really go to any extra-curricular activities to do with Vodafone and I'm not sure if there is any. However, every Monday (before the coronavirus) I played squash with one of the other apprentices from Vodafone and I didn't know him before the apprenticeship. I'd also sometimes go to a pub quiz with some of the other apprentices.

Yes

I'd recommend Vodafone because the salary you get is very generous and obviously a lot better than you would get from a part-time job whilst at university. You also get treated very professionally at Vodafone and are trusted with work that anyone else in the team would get meaning you get a lot of great work experience whilst on the apprenticeship scheme which you can carry over to a job after the apprenticeship.

The advice I'd give to new apprentices at Vodafone is don't be afraid to ask questions. Vodafone provides lots of great opportunities to apprentices, but you have to ask for things to get them (it isn't school). For example, if you're stuck you won't have people constantly checking how you're getting on but they will be happy to help if you ask for. You can't expect anything if you don't ask or it.