Degree Apprentice Review

I am a software developer and system administrator for business critical tools. Everyday, I am involved in a number of meetings where my team and I discuss our work and try to resolve any problems we face. I am the only apprentice in my team, although I had a smooth handover from a previous apprentice. My development is mainly focused on Groovy and Java, as well as producing documentation for users. I have learnt everything I needed for this role on the job, although have previous coding and Linux knowledge was definitely helpful.

Since joining Fujitsu, I have learnt a few new languages including JavaScript, Python, and Java. I've had the opportunity to take part in dedicated training days using specialised software and how the company operates at higher levels. Weighing what I learn on the job versus what I learn at university, I would say that I get more from the actual workplace experience because you get to directly apply everything you learn. I am studying a Digital Technology Solutions degree at Winchester University, specialising in Software Development. The degree is about 50/50 business studies and technical skills. University is interesting because it's the bigger picture for what you see everyday at work, and you can compare your experiences with those of other apprentices from different companies. As quite a shy and quiet person, this experience has really helped me come out of my shell as the work necessitates communication and collaboration. I've learnt how to get straight to business and cut through any awkwardness, which has really helped.

I really enjoy the work I get given, although it isn't exactly what I imagined I would be doing when I started. A lot of adults and other apprentices will tell you to just say 'yes' to opportunities and I want to echo this because that's how you find new things to enjoy. My team is amazing at work, and it's a really friendly atmosphere. I was quickly welcomed into the workplace and everyone makes sure you know what you're doing before you get thrown in the deep end. As a company, Fujitsu is very welcoming and really puts a lot of effort into supporting its junior talent programme.

As an apprentice, you receive 20% off the job training, which means that you get a minimum of 20% of your contracted hours to dedicate to studying. In practice this means that 1 day a week, you are on day release to go to university (or do university work if it's not term time etc.) This is really well implemented in Fujitsu, and managers make sure that you get enough time to study, as they understand that your education is your top priority. Fujitsu is super supportive and provides access to great training opportunities, both internally and externally. You will usually also have weekly meetings with an assigned mentor whose responsibility it is to make sure you're coping well and answer questions you have. Furthermore, we're assigned buddies when we join so that we have an apprentice who has been there a year already to show us the ropes. Generally, you aren't expected to know how to solve all the problems/tasks you are given, but you are expected to ask questions and find out how to do it. That said, everyone is understanding that your experience is limited and they will make allowances for you.

My manager always makes time for me if I have a problem, as does my mentor. In instances where I've been unsure what to do, there has always been someone nearby to ask for help and the company is pretty great at supporting you. As a company, we receive frequent updates from management, and Fujitsu has handled the Covid-19 crisis really well.

Degree apprentices, as a rule, do not have that much free time. You are working full-time or in university all day. While at university, I have back to back lessons, with very short breaks in between, and my days go from 9am to 7pm sometimes. Most university students can go and ask their tutors questions whenever they have a moment, but we are only on campus 1 day each week, with no time to go and hunt someone down if we need them. Thus we are left with emails and the occasional skype call. While the tutors do the best, the support is limited in this regard, and emails may not be responded to for a week or two, depending on the tutor. I have 2 hour seminars and 1 hour lectures for each subject, back to back. You are free to ask questions and work with tutors during a seminar, and the tutors are great in these to be fair to them. Lectures are less useful, as you're just talked at nonstop for an hour, but the slides are given out afterwards. In general, I enjoy the technical modules at university, but not the business studies we are taught. That said, it is interesting to get to see both sides of the corporate coin.

Learning how to give a confident and strong presentation is an invaluable skill which the University has given me. It's helped in many workplace situations, even though I don't do external customer work. Overall, the skills from the qualification are helpful, but a large amount of the skills I pick up are from the job itself.

At Fujitsu, we have a GAP (Graduates, Apprentices, and Placements) community which goes out together once a month to socialise and do something that isn't work. You lose out on the traditional university experience as an apprentice, so this is great for doing something to counteract this. There are loads of charity events too, ranging from bake sales to fantasy football, and we're often sent to local schools for outreach opportunities

Yes

A degree apprenticeship, in my opinion, is the best way to get a degree. Not only do you get an incredible amount of real world experience, but you are well compensated for you time and you get a full degree qualification at the end. I'm also assured I have a job when I am finished. Fujitsu is a global company, and has some of the biggest contracts available, it's really where you want to be for a solid start in the technology industry.

The application process can be a little convoluted, depending on the role you are after and how you apply. It's basically a series of online forms to fill out, then some proficiency tests in error checking, literacy, and numeracy. If you do well enough to be selected for interview, there are usually assessment centre days where a number of candidates are invited, and then you're given a series of puzzles to work through as a group. I thought the day was actually a lot of fun, and it's not something to stress about. As part of the assessment centre, you will also give the hiring managers a brief individual presentation and then an interview at the end of the day. You'll hear back in about a week afterwards and they'll inform you whether you've been successful or not. You'll be given all the information you need, just go with a smile and and open mind.