Apprentice Software Development Engineer Review

My role involves working as part of a real software development team, completing a Level 4 Diploma as well as a degree in Software Engineering. Day-to-day work involves working as a member of a team (for each placement) and working alongside professionals who are always happy to help with any problems or queries. This is really helpful for learning new topic areas and with university work. Some placement are better than others, with the level or work and difficulty varying greatly between them.

I have definitely learned a huge amount since starting at BAE Systems. Working with people that are happy to share knowledge with you is great, and the degree is made easy since you are working with real teams and practicing that topics learned in university. I have never been turned away when asking for help. I have gained experience in working with real-world deployed systems which is really interesting, and provides a great insight into other business areas.

I thoroughly enjoy the apprenticeship, and throughout the pandemic we have been looked after very well. The Level 4 is not so fun, I feel as though it gets in the way of the degree and work in general, but I understand it is a government requirement. Some placements are more enjoyable than others, and unfortunately vary a lot on the Yeovil site, to the extent that several apprentices have had to complain. Pre-pandemic trips to university were great fun too!

The placement rotation is not well structured in Yeovil, with some placement teams giving more/less support than others. The rest of the apprenticeship is well structured, but I feel that as a minority site in Yeovil we are not as well structured as the larger sites. I think that the apprenticeship would be an overall better experience on a larger site, where there can be more varied placements (I know some apprentice managers will ensure each apprentice get one placement working with an aircraft directly, one on planning etc. but we do not get this in Yeovil).

Support from the company is a strong point for the apprenticeship. I have received brilliant support throughout the scheme, and never had a situation where I could not find support. We get reviewed regularly and it is made very clear where support can be found at any time, for personal/social problems as well as academic/work problems. Support during the pandemic was brilliant and we were kept very much in the loop last March when we all had to go home. Following on from that we had regular catch-ups.

UCLan (University of Central Lancashire) admittedly have not provided the best support so far. The content varies hugely from lecturer to lecturer (some are BRILLIANT but some are awful). When asked, I have always got support, but I feel like the teaching could do with more support. Some apprentices expecting live, online lectures were given a pack of slides to learn themselves instead. I feel that this is unacceptable for a university, if we were paying students I don't think we would have received this kind of treatment.

I feel that so far I learn more from being at work than I do at university. A lot of university content is taught after I have already done it at work, however this seems to mostly be the first year content. Despite this, as the modules get harder it does seem like I am learning more and more from the lectures, which I can then implement into my day-to-day work so it is definitely useful!

Yes, but less since COVID-19 hit (used to have football over lunch, game clubs, sign language classes, etc.). There are virtual social meetings where we have the opportunity to take a break from work and chat to colleagues, as well as virtual exercise calls where you can follow along to a workout over lunch. There is also an early careers Instagram account that contains loads of wellbeing content which is nice to have during the pandemic.

Yes

Although I have had problems in the past year, the company has worked to solve issues to a high standard every time. The free degree is obviously great, and pre-pandemic we had a great time travelling to Uni and claiming meals on expenses. The support is great and you learn so much from working on the placements (mostly) and with other professionals. Being able to use skills learned at university is really helpful, and helps keep everything in memory!

You must be hard-working and be able to balance 2 qualifications alongside working in real teams. In the interview, ensure you mention things that will distinguish you (not just grades, but things like clubs, extra qualifications etc.). Don't be afraid to ask people for help, everyone is so friendly and willing to help :) The apprenticeship is great fun too, its great to meet so many different people along the way, especially the other apprentices.