Junior Software Developer Apprentice Review

Participating in daily stand up meetings, supporting a development team within the company by completing stories and tasks assigned to me such as amending programs and testing carried out changes. Writing accompanying documentation for changes if necessary, participating in agile team meetings such as backlog refinement and sprint retro, completing early careers development training activities.

I have completed various modules during the university part of my apprenticeship which has helped me to gain various soft skills such as articulate writing and presenting. I am working towards a degree in Digital and Technology solutions which I find very rewarding. At work, I have been participating in the early careers training sessions which have strengthened my communication skills as well as my understanding of various personality traits and how different people benefit from working with other personalities and in various roles. I have learned many technical skills, mainly writing programs and procedures in COBOL

I enjoy working in a team and having my own responsibilities and tasks that challenge me and let me learn through practicing. I have become close with the other apprentices which gives a sense of community and makes it easier to ask questions. The company culture is really great with lots of social activities and events, everyone is encouraged to get involved and it feels very welcoming

We had a very comprehensive induction week at the start to help us get settled into the company. The early careers training is always organised and mentioned in advance so I know when to expect it. University study is dedicated to one day of the week which makes it easier to balance with work. I have many support meetings with my mentor and line manager so that I know what I need to be doing and can raise any issues faced.

I have regular catch up meetings with my team mentor and my line manager so that I can raise any issues I am facing. All of the people I work with are very supportive and helpful and give a lot of guidance and answer and questions I might have. There is a support desk for any technical problems and they respond and resolve the issues quickly.

University lecturers are available to email/message for any queries about the module or the coursework. Help sessions are organised to discuss progress with coursework and any blocks or issues faced. There are meetings with academic workplace tutor and my line manager and myself to discuss any additional ways the university can help with my training.

The university course gives me more breadth of knowledge about processes happening in other teams and parts of the company and how they relate to the work I am doing. Some modules require me to research my company and and link the skills I have gained from the module to my role.

There are many social meet ups both within my department and within the early careers group to get involved in. There are also various sessions organised by the Great Place to Work team including quizzes, bingo, and various other competitions. There are also health and wellbeing activities to participate in such as mindfulness sessions. We get given 3 work days to complete volunteering with others for causes we care strongly about and are encouraged to complete more volunteering in our free time.

Yes

A great atmosphere to work in, a supportive and welcoming early careers community. The company genuinely wants the apprentices to have a positive experience and work hard to ensure that everyone is happy and isn't facing any issues with the programme. The company communicates a lot with the university to ensure that both aspects of the apprenticeship work smoothly. Working is very flexible and accommodating for personal circumstances. I am given a lot of independence and feel like I can make my own decisions about my work and fit it to how I perform best. I am encouraged to ask for help and guidance as well as trying things for myself

Make a note of any deadlines so you dont miss them. Make notes during the video interview so you can refer to them if you get stuck answering a question. Make meaningful contributions during the group exercises, don't just say something for the sake of saying something. Let everyone in the group activity talk. When answering competency based interview questions, be creative with the situations you use as examples, not just school and previous jobs.