Software Developer Apprentice Review

My day-to-day job revolves around learning about servers, virtual machines and how to use Linux operating system (OS). We aim to keep servers running, secure and up to standard. If anything is impacting service, we look to mitigate, investigate, find root cause, and implement a permanent fix. This is based around IBM WebSphere.

I have learnt a lot around linux OS. I am still learning about scripting. I can currently read scripts but cannot write them. My current plan is to learn more about how to support servers, and in spare learning time, I will keep looking at Linux scripting. I am currently 4 months past my induction period.

I really enjoy my apprenticeship programme. It is great to see how much you learn so quick. As someone who had no experience in any computing language. I have learnt in some level, how to write in HTML, CSS, Javascript, C#, and SQL. I would love more time to learn about these languages and gain more practice in the skills.

The programme could be a lot better organised. It would be great to see a list of classes throughout the year and the ability to sign up for them. Although, the apprenticeship have took time out to improve this and have personal journeys and chats with our managers.

I receive great support from my employer. I am always encouraged to keep healthy, take time to ourselves. My manager is great for checking up on me and making sure I am feeling well, especially during Covid. He always provides me support documents. For example, NatWest have an EAP for its employees, which can help with all types of health.

My training provider offers one-to-one time with our lecturers. This is to make sure we don't fall behind. This alone, to me, is an important one, as when I want to get my head around something, I need close support to ask questions. I really enjoy the QA qualifications.

I feel that the qualification I gain from my training provider really helps with my general knowledge and understanding of IT. I came into this role with a large marketing background and little IT. I now understand networking, front end development, back end development, and database info. I look forward to learning more about how they all can connect together.

There is talk of social activities that will take place. Additionally, the company have made a competition around sport. We can make teams, and participate against each other to try to get the most exercise in. The company also provide source to a discounted gym in the company building.

Yes

I believe they truly are about wellbeing and communication. The company have great management with embedded support. It is a great place to start an apprenticeship and learn amazing skills. Additionally, you are provided a job at the end of the two years; with one interview to get into your current department.

Show your full potential. Identify your weakness and try work on it for applying. Show why you are interested in the apprenticeship, as there are many people that want a space here. If someone is more passionate about a subject than you, you may loose the opportunity, no matter your qualifications/experience.