Apprentice Software Developer Review

Working within a team developing and releasing high quality software. My apprenticeship involves picking up tickets/jobs to work on my own or with other members of the team. Involvement in all planning discussions. Sharing responsibility for running daily team meetings. My apprenticeship really prepares you to be a developer.

When I started I didn't really know anything about coding. I have passed an OCA Java exam, learnt a lot about Spring/Spring boot and other tools used for developing web applications. I've learnt a lot about different methodologies within the software development industry that I wouldn't have gotten in a traditional university setting.

My programme is genuinely amazing. I enjoy most getting to work in my team as a developer. I've never been "just an apprentice". I've always been valued for my contributions and have been encouraged by my teams to learn new things. I've loved the support of those around me who have been working in the industry for a long time.

The program is extremely well structured. I spend most of my time in work with my team however the apprenticeship provider Manchester Digital, organises "bootcamps" on different topics to ensure well rounded learning. They have a number of companies with apprentices in my cohort so want to make sure everyone has the same opportunities to learn. Within my business I have a mentor and regular checkins with Team leaders who suggest additional learning paths to look at.

I receive a lot of support from Booking.com. We have a network within the business that are there to support all the apprentices with whatever you might need. I also receive a lot of support from my team who encourage you to ask questions. With portfolios the team are always willing to provide feedback and there was a lot of support with study for my exams with my Tech Lead to ensure if I didn't understand some Java concepts I could ask.

Manchester Digital has provided a lot of support. There is regular checkins with Ben who is incredible at ensuring you feel supported. The provide bootcamps every month for two days coving a new topic to ensure you have good exposure to all aspects of the job. They provide study materials for your exams and feedback for work submitted.

My qualification allows me opportunity to get into an industry with real world exposure to the job. It's given me a lot of support on that learning journey to becoming a better developer that I wouldn't have had at a university of through self learning. I've been able to get into the job quicker which has proven that I actually like it!

Work has provided a lot of extra curricular activities but there have been less this past year with COVID-19. They've still managed to provide hack days, security coding challenges and events. They've provided webinars on blended families, a number of events about women in industry. Breakout room days. Theres even a DJ who performs on Friday afternoons sometimes you can check in with.

Yes

The company itself is really transparent and honest with how they treat their staff. They provide learning opportunities to not only apprentices but all employees. Covid had caused some stress for people this past year and the company really stepped up to support people in particular parents that may have been finding working full with with kids at home challenging. One of the company goals is "Do the right thing" and this in particular has always felt like a genuine goal of the company instead of corporate rhetoric.

The company is looking for people that fit with their culture so just be yourself. Don't be worried if your technical knowledge isn't great when applying for an apprenticeship as they always say this is stuff we can teach. A willingness to learn will never be under appreciated.