Software Developer Apprentice Review

Within my role my daily tasks include developing features and functionality for front end applications such as websites and mobile applications as well as developing backend api endpoints. I also write unit tests to ensure any code I write is of good standard and quality. I am supported by senior developers, where required, to create effective and quality code solutions that are up to instustry standards.

Within my role I have learnt Node.js for creating api endpoints. I have also used and developed my Javascript skills using frameworks such as React and Angular for our client facing webapps. I also have developed my skills in mobile development using Java/Kotlin for android development. All of this has been supported by

My programme is overall pretty enjoyable. The on-the-job learning and training provided by Jisc is amazing. With many of my team being supportive of me and willing to take the time to teach my areas where my knowledge may be weaker. I am also allowed chances to work on my own frequently to ensure that I can put the skills I'm learning into practice. The academic side of the programme is good with many of the units taught translating over to the role I do well however some of the topics covered are not to my interests and not related to the role in which I'm in. These topics do tend to be more general business topics and can be good information for any role within a business to help better understand the workings of a business.

The programme is very well organised with my day for the the job training each week being the same throughout the programme. The employer is good at ensuring that, if I request it, that they will expose me to areas of the business that will work well this topics currently being taught in the academic side of the course. Each year is clearly outlined at the start of each year so I know what to expect for the following 12 months.

The support of recieve from my employer is outstanding. My managers are very supportive and understanding of my requirements and my time commitments to both work and academic side of the course. I had a mentor for the majority of the course however as time went of the need for this has mostly passed with my manager becoming a sort of mentor himself. Consideration is also in place for if I have a lot of academic work due at once Jisc will allow me extra time to study when required. Overall, all support needed and more is provided by my employer.

I recieve face-to-face (virtual due to covid-19) training and teaching sessions with my training provider for a full day once per week in term times. This support is good as it give plenty of time to ask questions and ensure you fully understand the material being taught. That said since becoming more remote there has been more chances that this support is missed however I believe this is a side affect of the pandemic and will be rectified.

The qualification is overall very helpful for my role. Many topics go over tools and best practices that have translated well over to my daily role as a software developer. Many skills and techniques taught by the provider have given me better understanding for the tasks I do daily. There is however some topics in the course that do not feel relevent to my daily role.

Jisc normally provides and hosts many differnet events throughout the year that I have attended in the past. These include networking events within the company, some networking events in the wider education and tech industries. Other events such as hackathons/code challege days I have attended with Jisc. Due to the pandemic these have not been in place but I am sure they will return when safe to do so. Virtual meetups and things interally have been arranged during the pandemic also.

Yes

They provide great quality roles that allow you to really develop yourself and learn from your peers as well as individually. They are very supportive both with your daily work and academic work. There has been some events I have had the chance to attend which have been great. The people here are very friendly and genuinely caring for eachother.

Be honest when talking to the people, they want to see who you are as a personal and your willingness to learn and attempt new things. Previous knowledge and skills are useful but I believe they are more interested in your motivations, interested and willingness to learn. They are a company the like to see people progress and thrive.