Software Development Apprentice Review

I assist in completing tickets that come through the system for my team, this can involve analysis and creating the solution - I also regularly attend learning sessions both specific to my role run by my manager and other members of the department and more wide range ran my the council.

I entered with basic coding however now I can also carry out the required analysis and create more complex codes. I have developed many of my soft skills such as problem solving and organisation. I have also started learning a new programming language I had no experience in before joining.

I very much enjoy the programme, the team I work with and the support surrounding me has been the driving force as they all support and offer their expertise to help me develop. I am fortunate that I have a group of apprentice and graduates in the same department which allows us to work together and share experiences to all learn from each other.

From NatWest's side I feel it is well structured, I am given the needed time to complete all my coursework and I am encouraged greatly by those surrounding me. My manager also takes time out to prepare presentations and get guest speakers to go through their speciality to help our development. I find QA is sometimes hard to get a hold of and I don't feel updated in my progress however once you manage to book in an appointment they always come prepared.

My manager is extremely supportive in me completing my coursework, if I am stuck he will either help with his own knowledge or find someone who can help. He also makes sure I am not given to much work so that I still have time to complete my coursework. There is also a internal cohort which is extremely helpful as I can ask questions and meet up on zoom with people to go through the work.

I find they are sometimes difficult to get a hold of and I have to chase them to get a response however once I manage to book a meeting they have great feedback on my work and are organised with all the feedback and documentation required. I have not had any issues other than support with coursework and as stated once a meeting is booked they are very helpful.

I found the classroom sessions were very helpful and I have used many of those skills in my role however I feel the coursework is a bit too vague and off topic. For most of my coursework I need to ask someone from a different team in a different role to help out as they are not related to my current role.

There are many networking events and councils to get involved in, I currently attend many of these events, many specific for apprentices and graduates, some for development others are purely social such as the Christmas zoom party. My department also runs some events such as quizzes and sport challenges to raise money for charity.

Yes

I think there are so many career development options and personal development options which is extremely important at any point in your career. Above that I feel they actually do what they say they will and put the customer first and stick to the goals they set. I also believe the people you work with is extremely in important and so far I am yet to find someone I would not like to work with at some point.

I think they really care about what you can bring to the table that is new and will benefit the business. They are less interested in your work experience but rather what you can bring that is unique. I would recommend to make as many connections during your on boarding as you will meet many people you may not work with but could help you still.