Consultant - Software Developer Review

As a developer I spend most of my day programming, or taking part in routine scrum/agile activities such as the daily stand-up, poker planning or sprint reviews. I develop code to complete tickets assigned to me, and I am responsible for completing these tickets in the allotted sprint. Every few weeks I am required to do code demonstrations to other developers or a client, and I also complete peer reviews of my colleagues work on roughly a fortnightly basis.

I started this apprenticeship with no experience and very little computing knowledge, and I now work as part of a scrum team as a back-end developer. All of the skills associated with this (learning new technologies, testing (manual + automated), agile, programming) I have picked up in around 7/8 months. I am also more confident in presenting and discussing/explaining IT related problems.

I couldn't be happier working for my company - the team and project I am on are fantastic and have been incredibly supportive in helping me train as a developer. I don't enjoy the University side as much, however I believe this is partly down to COVID and social distancing restrictions meaning we can't attend in person, so communication with the University has been quite difficult for the last few months. Otherwise this has beyond exceeded my expectations.

The programme is well structured and the University portion of the apprenticeship ties in well with the workplace. There is a fantastic support network of mentor meetings and the company are always on hand to help if any problems do arise. The only reason for an 8 rather than a 10 is I feel some projects don't fully understand what Degree Apprenticeships are (which is entirely reasonable, they're still quite new!) but it means the support from the project isn't always aligned with the goals of the University program.

There is a fantastic amount of support from the employer. There is weekly support for my University work from a graduate degree apprentice (DA). There are monthly Degree Apprentice meetings with the DAs in my company sector. I have previously had mentors on my project to teach me particular skills as well as one for helping me join the company. I have had a relocation buddy as well, who provided advice on moving to the area.

As a degree apprentice, I find it hard to get support from the University as they operate during work hours when I am unavailable (9-5, Tues-Fri). On our 1 University day a week, there isn't enough time to organise meetings or join other academic skills lectures etc as we have back-to-back lectures. When I have asked for guidance, it hasn't always been the best, and on one occasion I was apologised to for being given the wrong guidance and consequently doing badly on an assessment. I enjoy the University side, but it could be a lot better.

I don't think the University side of the apprenticeship helps with my role at work. That isn't to say the University side is unhelpful, it is just unrelated. That said - I enjoy this as University gives me more of a business insight, whereas at work I am completing the technical work. The only module at University that does help me perform better as part of the company is Work Based Studies, as I have a greater understanding of the company.

Yes! Loads! Unfortunately lots have been on hold during COVID, but despite this, the company have hosted virtual coffee meetings, group activities for social networks (eg. LGBTQ+), and professional networking events such as the Women's network. If it wasn't for COVID, there would be plenty more sports to join in with, and other social activities organised by the members.

Yes

I have learnt so much about being a software developer from working here thanks to the supportive environment and willingness of members to share knowledge and mentor. The atmosphere at work is fantastic, and the social side and networks are also great for somebody new starting in the field. Working on a team with developers who have 10, 15, 20+ years experience in my dream role has been the best experience I could ever gain.

Research the company, understand what it means to be a member of CGI, and what values we hold and ask lots of questions! Be honest throughout the whole application process - Interviews and assessment centres are nerve-wracking, but the early-careers team couldn't be more supportive - they are rooting for you too. Don't be put off if you aren't already a genius developer, or business student, the idea of an apprenticeship is to learn!