Software Engineering Apprentice Review

My role involves software development in project-based work. On a day-to-day basis this involves developing software as part of a team of other developers and engineers, and also frequently involves planning and analysis sessions. One day a week is spent on university study. This involves three to four modules per semester that are all done on that particular day.

The course has helped me develop a wide range of focused software skills and more general knowledge of software and development, and I have learned these at work and university. Some more focused skills such as languages and technologies include Python, C#, Java, Docker, Linux, Git, the ELK stack, and Apache Pulsar. Some more general skills include object oriented programming, cryptography and key/certificate management systems, high level software design and testing, project management, cyber security, risk management, information systems, and Agile software development.

I have definitely enjoyed the programme so far, Roke is a fantastic company to work for and the wealth of experience that many people have means that it is easy to find help if you ever need it. Everyone is friendly and welcoming and the work culture is generally more relaxed than other companies. Winchester is also a good university, the lecturers are all knowledgeable and friendly and have been more than happy to provide any extra assistance when learning remotely.

Roke and Winchester have provided a well structured programme. Roke provide an induction and training programme for the first few months, after which you join a team to work on a project. There are regular meetings with workplace mentors to help highlight any issues and keep track of progress and to also have a relaxed catch up. The university course is structured like any other degree; there are several modules in each semester, content is delivered weekly, and final assessments for modules usually take the form of coursework with a few exams.

I can receive support from my employer through various methods depending on what I need. For technical help I can talk to other project members, or use IM channels to ask anyone. For other help I can ask my workplace mentor, my line manager, or HR. Overall all of these different methods make it very easy to get any kind of help.

As only one day a week is spent in contact with module tutors, they are open for anyone emailing or calling them (when suitable) to ask for help or support. This makes getting help very accessible, but sometimes it can take a little longer to get a response - this is understandable to me though. Feedback and support is also received from non-graded assessments that help judge the progress I am making. Feedback for final module assessments is also given.

The training provider has given me many important non-technical skills that are important for my work role. A lot of these skills are expected to be had for my role, especially later in my career, such as project management. Although I won;t be using skills like that for a while, I still found it useful to have an overview of the concepts. These non-technical skills also helped me to learn more about the industry I am in.

Roke runs several weekly events related to cyber security, data science, and more, and many of these are now held online which gives a great opportunity to catch up and socialise with coworkers in a more relaxed setting. Outside of this Roke also has several other clubs such as photography, board games, amateur radio, cycling, and tennis, and events for these are held when possible. Roke also has a pavillion for hosting social vents.

Yes

Overall Roke is an interesting company to be at - they do genuinely impactful work, the culture is fantastic, and they emphasise the work that individuals achieve. I have met some great people so far at Roke who are willing to go the extra mile to help you. The University course has been equally rewarding, as it has taught me many skills I don't come across every day that are still valuable. Being in classes with other apprentices from different organisations also helps the course feel more welcoming.

I would say don't worry about applying without understanding much about professional software development - as previously said everyone you work with will understand that you probably won't know as much at first, and they are willing to help where needed. The training mentioned at the start of the course also helps with the "basics". However it is still worth learning other skills where possible as you will have the skills to work on a wider variety of projects as a result.