Software Engineer Review

I am a Software Engineer working on IBM Cloud Hyper Protect services. I work on delivering Docker and Kubernetes on the IBM Z platform, aka IBM's infamous Mainframes. On a day-to-day basis, I may complete a range of activities ranging from scripting to creating containers to configuring software pipelines and so on.

I have developed a lot of new technical skills since joining IBM. Working as a developer/engineer has given me the chance to develop my coding skills from a very basic level right up to where I am today. I have also been able to work with industry-leading technologies, such as Docker, Kubernetes, Cloud, Openshift etc.

The skills that I have developed over my time in the program have been very enjoyable to learn. My favourite part of the program has been working with my employer on my day job role, as this has given me some amazing work experience that I wouldn't get elsewhere.

In theory, my program is structured very well, however, when it comes to applying that program to a role there have been some hiccups on the way. I would say the program is structured very specifically and it can be hard to meet some of the requirements expected of an apprentice. I think my employer would benefit from considering other training providers that could offer a better apprenticeship standard.

The support I have received from my employer over the last 3 years has been amazing. I have not had the smoothest route as an apprentice, however, I have felt supported and listened to every step of the way. Struggling with a range of things from mental health problems, to issues with my training provider, my employer has always been able to provide me with the support I need.

The support I have received from my training provider over the time I have been working with them has been very poor. There has been a multitude of different issues that have come from my training provider, including the loss of my Learning Mentor, various boundaries being changed throughout my program (meaning work has to be redone), and a continuous lack of communication causing large delays in my apprenticeship progression.

There is definitely a good range of base-level skills that I have learned in my apprenticeship, that have benefitted me in my role. I do however think there is a mismatch in what I learn for my apprenticeship and what is needed for my role. The apprenticeship standard that I work towards covers very typical software development criteria, however, the role my employer has put me in has distinct differences in the development work is done, making it very difficult for me to meet the criteria I need to.

As well as performing my daily role, I also spend a lot of my free time working on other projects that benefit apprentices and other young people. For example, I am a founding member of the IBM Apprentice Community, which works to create a fun and welcoming environment for apprentices. We work to put on social events and develop progression material to ensure apprentices have the best experience as a young person at IBM.

Yes

I would recommend IBM to a friend, whether they are looking to enter at apprenticeship level or just as a standard employee. IBM offers an amazing range of programs for young people, including various level apprenticeships and university placements. IBM also has a huge range of roles for people further into their career, ranging from technical roles in areas such as software to business roles in consultancy and HR and more.

My main piece of advice for someone applying to IBM would be to be yourself and show you're passionate and willing to learn. IBM thrives off of hiring hard-working, enthusiastic people that they can train, and they are not totally focused on only hiring people with advanced technical skills.