Software Engineer Review

Although I am a software developer by title, I work on a variety of different tasks. A large part of my job of course is working with my team to build and fix software through writing and updating code. To do this, I do however work collaboratively with project managers, designers, testers and devs across platforms (Android, iOS and web devs) to ensure the product (app) we are creating is fit for market and useful for our customers. This includes planning, stakeholder management, testing, knowledge transfer, design iteration etc. Beyond this, I also work on D&I initiatives, WIT initiatives, do outreach for apprenticeships and focus on accessibility where possible.

Prior to starting my apprenticeship, I had next to no experience, with a small amount of knowledge around the basic principles of HTML, CSS and javascript. I had never studied computer science, learnt about agile or software development methodologies. On my course, I've gained many skills around development, including studying HTML, CSS, React, .js, ruby, and more recently Kotlin and Android development. All of my skills around development, and knowledge around the software methodologies (e.g. the lifecycle of a product, and agile ways of working) therefore essentially come from the course. In addition to this, I've developer existing skills around event organisation, and public speaking through the Multiverse community. Multiverse as an apprenticeship provider are great at supporting students who want to gain soft skills and utilise their 20% off the job hours to grow as an employee. Through this, I've become an Apprentice Leader, organising events, presenting, hosting, talking at schools etc which has been great for my transferable skills which I can now use at Sky.

I really enjoy my apprenticeship. The people I work with at Sky are really interesting, passionate and experts in their field and therefore have helped me to learn a lot in a very short space of time. I've also hugely benefited from getting involved in the Multiverse community, developing skills, learning about interesting topics and having access to a network of other apprentices.

Very well organised. I have typically spent 4 days on the job, and 1 day working on apprenticeship work, as well as spending blocks of time learning, e.g. through 3 week bootcamps, learning alongside my fellow cohort. I also get 1:1 coaching with Multiverse and have had lots of support from my line managers at Sky to organising my time and apprenticeship work.

I have a really great line manager at Sky who is a great support for specific questions. My team is also very supportive and have dedicated blocks of time specifically to help onboard me and help me learn. For exams and apprenticeship projects, my team have always been very understanding and given me the support and help to learn and achieve the results I want.

As well as my 1:1 coaching and teaching through bootcamps from Multiverse, I've also had a mentor, who was able to give me an alternative perspective and support my apprenticeship journey. Being part of a network of apprentices, and encouraged to reach out and share experiences (e.g. through a buddy programme), has also really helped me throughout my apprenticeship as another form of support.

The exams I passed linked to software methodologies and agile was extremely helpful as it is quite a broad way of looking at the foundations of software engineering, and not specific to a language and therefore very relevant. I found the exams I completed around HTML, CSS and javascript were quite dated, and not relevant to me now as I'm working with Kotlin and Android. That being said, I know the course is being updated going forwards to encourage students to take a second language, and not necessarily to take the BCS technical exams. The project work, and portfolio were a useful way to reflect on my work and collate my experience.

Yes, in Leeds we have a climbing club, a running club and a board games club as well as internal Sky wide networks (women's network, parent's network, D&I network, mental health network, better allies network etc). We also have team bonding exercises. We also have the opportunity to volunteer to do things that help the community through a `Sky Cares` initiative. There are lots of opportunities to network and meet people across Sky, and Multiverse.

Yes

I think it's a great work environment, particularly for beginners, as the technology we work with is interesting, the reach we have in terms of numbers of customers is vast, and the people you work with are supportive and extremely knowledgable.

Be honest in your applications, and do your research. If you're genuinely interested in the role, this will shine through in your application and at interview and the preparation you'll do in advance. It doesn't hurt to try out some of the technologies in advance and see if you enjoy coding, but remember the job isn't just about learning to code; you also want to show your personality and your ability to work in a team collaboratively.