Apprentice Software Developer Review

by University of Oxford

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.6/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Providing technical/functional support for one of Oxford University’s biggest systems as an apprentice. Work closely with other members of my department to achieve the desired outcomes of a variety of different support requests, from bug fixes to enhancements.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have developed a variety of new skills, from simple problem solving to working with databases and developing for web platforms. I have also improved my programming skills overall, and I am now able to pick up new programming languages with relative ease.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy my programme very much due to the friendliness and support I receive from colleagues at the university. I enjoy learning new things all the time and developing my current skills. My only complaint is not being able to work with more mainstream languages and tools.

8/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

My programme is very well structured. My training provider oversees my progress weekly and support me with any issues I may have, as do the University. My training provider also oversee my coursework and ensure that I’m meeting the requirements for programme, and the University support me with completing the work needed to complete my apprenticeship.

9/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I receive a lot of support from my employer. My manager and other colleagues are always willing to help me with things I don’t know how to solve. They have also provided me with opportunities to take courses which have helped boost my knowledge.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

My training provider successfully oversee all aspects of the qualifications related to my course. They monitor my progress to make sure that my progress is up to the standard needed to pass my exams. They have also been generous enough to cover the costs of additional exams not required for my apprenticeship, which has helped develop my skills even further as a software developer.

10/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

I feel that my qualification through my training provider helps me perform much better in my role. The exams I have learned for and taken have provided a strong base for my role as a developer, and the knowledge I have gained through my qualification has allowed me exceed far greater than I would have expected before starting my apprenticeship.

10/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Not that I am aware of. I have attended some inter-departmental events but that’s about it.

3/10

9a. Would you recommend University of Oxford to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

I would recommend the University of Oxford to a friend, as the institution has been an absolute privilege to work and the opportunity to work here has changed my life forever due to the strong foundation I now have for my career to take off.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to University of Oxford?

Not entirely sure, but I would say that you should show ambition and motivation, and show willingness to learn and exceed.