Software Engineer Review

I am a Software Engineer working in a SAFe agile environment, I work on stories (work items) based on business priority which normally involves coding whilst following set coding standards. The scrum team I work in, and I, also handle and fix bugs found when using the micro services we own. On top of this I also engage in the agile related ceremonies and meetings which range from refinement meetings to sprint demos, reviews and retrospectives.

I have gained many skills in Agile and in software development. In terms of Agile I have been exposed to the culture and mindset and have fully embraced it and am now scrum master certified. Software development wise I have gained technical knowledge on technologies such as Spring, AWS, Java, pipelines plus more. Being in a professional environment has also matured my soft skills, with communication and presentation skills continuously being developed. People management skills have also been shown to be crucial.

I enjoy my day to day work more than the apprenticeship side of the program, not all the modules I study feel relevant and some are difficult to apply to my role. The modules that do relate to my work (such as programming and security) are interesting and somewhat enjoyable, especially as they can be practical and hands on. Whereas business modules (which aren't as relevant to me as I am IT) are more theoretical and therefore sometimes less engaging.

The apprenticeship has structure but was very confusing to begin with. Firstly we were going to have 4 yearly placements but this was changed to a single 4 year placement about 8 months in. Which was a shame as my first placement didn't involve me in as much work as the projects available were going to be over a year in length, so instead of being to own a project I instead ended up assisting other people. In the end I moved roles (into Software development) in order to progress my career. From QA's perspective we were meant to be assigned a specialism (to help tailor the modules to our role) and we were all given incorrect specialisms - I was put down as a network engineer when I should be software engineer

I have received little support from HR and the talent team (responsible for the apprenticeship program), I can recall only ever seeing or speaking to members of the talent team on one occasion and that was for them to approve my move to software development (I had to find a role and force the move as the talent team had no visibility that I wasn't getting the work, opportunity and therefore development I needed). Only recently have they started drop in sessions where you can join to raise any concerns. This has only started in the last few months and is a bit late in the day, especially as most of our problems and concerns happened over 2.5 years ago.This has resulted in myself, and other apprentices, handling things on our own. On the flip side my line manager and senior manager (as well as the whole department I work in) and incredibly supportive and I feel comfortable speaking to them about any issues I have. Whether this is about my actual work issues (such as getting stuck to coding) or work/personal life. Am rating 7 because my department saves the rating.

We have a skills coach who periodically checks in with us to make sure everything is okay, he helps us with the year long projects we have to do as part of the apprenticeship. During our modules most course leaders/tutors are helpful and willing to support if we need them. However there are a few that don't seem to know what they are teaching and sometimes fell uninterested. One was even confrontational with me when I escalated the fact he wasn't supporting.

Very little of what I've learned so far from my training provider has any relevance to what I do during my day to day job, so it is difficult for me to say that is has improved my performance in my role. Some of the theoretical business modules has helped me think with a more business attitude, which has helped me to sympathise with business decisions but most, if not all, of my development in my role has come from working in the role and the team members surrounding and supporting me.

My department hosts several social activities a year which are great fun and really support the culture and society that my department are striving for, they range from pubs to darts to golf. There are also some IT and company wide events (such as sports days and Christmas parties) which are also fun and make us feel appreciated. There some sporting groups but they don't seem to be well supported and is an area that could be improved.

Yes

Although the apprenticeship scheme has its flaws the company itself is fun to work for. I am fortunate to be in a department that is leading the company into our digital transition and the agile mindset. My team mates are supportive and understanding (in the software development role) and I am learning everyday. I probably would say to try and secure a job as opposed to the apprenticeship however it is still a good way to get your foot into the door of this company for young enthusiastic people.

Agile is a big buzzword so knowing your stuff about it will definitely help you during your application, also try to be proactive in your learning and desire to learn. Always ask questions and don't be afraid to speak up. I would recommend speaking to your line manager before the talent team if you have any issues, this is because your manager is more likely to understand what is going on and how to help you.