Software Engineering Associate Review

Defect Manager - My role is to ensure a prompt resolution of defects within the system that we test. I also produce test reports and performance trackers for my team to keep them knowledge able on how the project is running. I conduct daily conference calls to recieve the information needed to promptly resolve the defects.

We study every 6 weeks with our tutoring company, QA. So far, we have studied Java, which I hadn't done before, and I now feel competent with my coding ability with this language. I have also learnt how to conduct myself in a professional work environment, such as being presentable, arriving on time for work and producing my work to the highest standard possible whilst reaching deadlines.

I have formed both great working and social relationships with the people I work with, both in my team and the wider office. I fully expected a challenge when I started the apprenticeship, and I haven't been let down. Every day is a new challenge and I have learn't so much in a relatively short amount of time.

I am regurlarly given important work by my managers, and they place their trust into me to complete these tasks by deadlines. I have met expectations with these tasks and I feel very valued in the team, I've been told that I work at the standard of a University Graduate. Within the team, when I have become knowledge on one of my tasks, I am given further roles and responsibilities to develop my learning and knowledge.

The programme is structured fantasticly. When we started, we were given a 3 week training period to learn all we could about the company, so that we could hit the ground running in our project placements. Every 6 weeks we are given training on technical coding languages, and we also meet our tutor inbetween these sessions for a performance review, and to hand in our coursework. The programme is structured very well, as I always know when my next meeting is. Within my team, there is a very clear structure of roles and jobs, and I quickly learn't each persons roles and was able to complete my work quicker by knowing who would assist me.

We meet out tutor every 6 weeks for a 2 hour meeting, where we cover a variety of aspects including our work performance, coursework, training and personal development. During the period where we don't see our tutor, we are able to reach out to him via email to cover any of the topics mentioned above. In terms of the tutors that we have for our training, each is profficient in the subject and is very willing and able to help us if we are having problems. I always look forward to our next week of training and throughly enjoy it when it occurs.

I work closely with my Line Manager, as we share the same role. She always supports me with the work, but delegates piece of work to me when she is busy herself. During these times she trusts me to complete the tasks to the same standard that she does. Our overall project manager is very busy a lot of the time, but when I was new to the project he took the time out to welcome me to the team and arrange team building activities. I am able to reach out to him with any admin issues I have had so far. I have also been assigned a Career Coach who has taken time out of her busy schedule to meet with me and discuss progress within the company and future roles/titles that can be reached with hard work and determination. Everyone I have met so far has taken the time to help me with any issues I have, and in turn they feel comfortable asking me for any assitant they need.

I recieve a very healthy wage package to cover my living expenses. I haven't had an issue with travelling costs as of yet, I can easily afford my rent at home and I can provide myself with optional expenses such as a phone contract and gym membership. When I work out of town, I am given assitance in covering travelling costs and living arrangements. After spending my living and travel costs, I still have money each month for personal treats such as clothes, bits of technology and social nights out.

So far, we have had a number of company events, such as Quarter 1 celebrations and Techonology sector Christmas party. I have also played football with the company, and I am also looking to play more sports. I have recently moved office, and I look forward to getting involved with the events here.

Yes

I left University to do this apprenticeship and I haven't had a single moment where I regret this decision. I am able to gain valuable work experience, study a degree as well as earning wage to cover living costs. Overall, the environment that I have been placed has developed my learning as well as my personal skills more then I could've hoped for at the start.

Make sure to study aspects of the company and role, so that you have a good idea of what to expect and can answer interview questions relevantly. Also present yourself to the best of your abillity by arriving early for any interviews or assessments with high standard of dress code (suit and tie). Make sure to come across as passionate about the apprenticeship, rather then just doing it for the money. Take every avaiable oppurtinity you can for training, events and activites. In general, just persent yourself as someone they would want to hire, so that your name is one of the first in contention for a place.