Application Developer Apprentice Review

We go to university every Monday, then we're at work the other four days. When working we will either be on a client project, or if between projects we're 'on the bench'. If on the bench we do training and networking to prepare for our next project. When working on a client project, your routine can vary based on our role. For one project every day started with a daily stand up (Agile methodology), then we would work on our assigned tasks. The day is normally broken up with Accenture calls, whether about a specific technology or about inclusion and diversity.

I have learnt a lot of technical skills through work and university. Through work I have had the opportunity to participate in training sessions which build up to industry recognised certifications. I have also been able to participate in internal training courses on a wide range of topics and technologies. I'm still building my networking and presentation skills. I feel very supported with the access to training at work. I would say that it's generally more of an overview initially and doesn't necessarily go in too much depth. At university I have been able to learn coding, business development, prototyping, databases and application development.

I really love my fellow apprentices, even though I may not be close friends with every single one of them, I know I could definitely count on them and they'd come through for me if I needed any help. I am enjoying the programme, it can sometimes be a bit stressful balancing work and university, but it's worth it for the experience I'm gaining and I know at the end I will be in a much better position. I also enjoy how involved I've been able to get with social aspects of the company. I was expecting the university work to be a bit more challenging, the amount of work/documentation for coursework is a lot, but the content isn't as difficult as I was expecting.

The programme is well structured in that every Monday during term time we physically go to university (pre-covid19) which increases the degree of separation between work and study. We also have block modules at university, which are two week solidly at uni. There is a lot of support in place both at university and work, people really do want to hear your opinion/challenges and will see if things can be done to address these. I have a buddy who's an older apprentice and she's a great casual support system. I think the only way organisation/structure could be improved is that not enough people in the business as a whole know about the apprentice programme, and bring them onto their projects.

I do feel well support from my employee. You constantly have a career counselor who is a great source of support. I have weekly call with mine. They check in with you around Uni, Work, and any problems you may be experiencing. There's a designated person within HR for apprentices to speak to, which is helpful. As an organisation there's a lot of support around mental health and well being, we also have Bupa memberships. If you need help at work, people will make time, and help you out, you just have to ask.

We receive a lot of support from our university. We have reps who have termly meetings with the programme leaders, where feedback from all the apprentices is collated and reviewed. We had a couple of issues with a particular module this year, but once this was flagged to the apprentice lead it was resolved within a matter of days, Lecturers are very flexible and know we only have Mondays at university so they make themselves available after lectures for support, and online/for calls.

I find the more practical modules at university the most engaging, and provide a strong foundation for what I'm learning. Sometimes when I then try to apply them at work, there will be best practices that I'm not aware of but the core understanding can be applied. Some skills are more transferable than others, and sometimes the work can actually help with understanding the university theory. So it is definitely an enhanced learning experience doing both at the same time.

There is a huge range of extra curricular activities available through work. I have played three different sports with work, one of which culminated in playing at the 'corporate games' which was an inter-company tournament. I have also been able to attend a professional conference, as well as many internal networking events. We have 3 charity days which we can use for any type of charity work we would like to get involved with. There's also the chance to socialise with the all the apprentices at apprentice events.

Yes

I think it's a good company to work for, they value you as and individual and encourage everyone to be their authentic selves. There's a lot of support and networks in place. This openness and forward thinking attitude is a major part of what attracted me to Accenture. There's so many different opportunities available within a company of this size, that if you wanted to change areas, or jobs you would most likely be able to do it within Accenture.

Be yourself, I tend to be more on the shy side and so are some of the other apprentices. There were people in my assessment day who seemed so much more self-assured and were very vocal about everything they knew. I assumed they would be getting the role, but they didn't. You're an apprentice, it doesn't matter what you already know, what matters is your attitude, willingness to learn, and your passion for technology. Also Accenture offers Tech-Taster sessions, which is a great chance to make an impression in a less formal setting, and allow you to make sure it's the right fit for you.

Be yourself, I tend to be more on the shy side and so are some of the other apprentices. There were people in my assessment day who seemed so much more self-assured and were very vocal about everything they knew. I assumed they would be getting the role, but they didn't. You're an apprentice, it doesn't matter what you already know, what matters is your attitude, willingness to learn, and your passion for technology. Also Accenture offers Tech-Taster sessions, which is a great chance to make an impression in a less formal setting, and allow you to make sure it's the right fit for you.