Technology Degree Apprentice Review

During term time, I effectively "work" as a normal university student - the communication with my work happens in the form of weekly meetings to discuss different business areas and professional techniques. On placement, I am trained as a technology specialist, joining teams to assist in problems involving data analysis and automation. I spent a lot of time programming (mostly with Python and Alteryx).

Yes - I've received several qualifications in Alteryx, a piece of software I had no experience with before, but would now consider myself proficient in. I've also been trained in cloud service providers (Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft Azure). My professional skills have also been trained, through speaking publicly about my work in stand-up meetings. My employer allocates a certain amount of time specifically for training, to help me develop my skills.

I greatly enjoy my program - I get to experience a normal degree with the support and backing of a massive company, so I know that if I face any problems, I have more leverage to get them solved than the average student. The placement is also very enjoyable, and is some of the most fulfilling work I've ever done. My employer is invested in my long-term development, so I feel like I'm actually being efficiently trained and utilised.

The placement is very well organised and structured - the team I've been in so far was aware of what I'd learnt and asked me about my existing skills, and seemed very able to fit me in. However, my direct placement managers don't seem fully aware of how well documented my university work needs to be, as they keep changing their views on time tracking.

A lot - I've got lots of connections within the workplace who could provide specific help if I asked. I have tri-annual meetings with representatives from my employer and my university to monitor both my academic progress and how well I'm feeling. If I faced any problems with my course, I'd know who to talk to (even if they couldn't help, they'd forward my query).

The same as any other student - while my tutor is aware of the details of my apprenticeship, this isn't particularly relevant to my qualification. I get a lot of peer support. My training provider is also currently handling lecturer strikes poorly, reducing the amount of support I am recieving.

Not very well, so far. I've only completed the first year of a Computer Science degree so far, and my skills and knowledge from before then (A-Level Computer Science and prior work experience) have been much more beneficial in my role. The content I learn at university seems a lot more theoretical.

The SHINE network runs LGBTQ+ focused social events and professional networking activities fairly regularly, but I feel a little nervous about attending, as I'm not currently in the office for any other reason. There are also apprentice-specific events (put on in an official capacity by a team of my peers), but these have clashed with other commitments I've had so I've not had a chance to attend.

Yes

They are a company that supports my professional development and genuinely cares about me as a long term investment. There's a lot of room for lateral movement within the firm - I feel like once I've finished my degree, I could easily work anywhere in the country, and possibly in other countries too.

Go in with both a sense of bringing your existing skills to the team you'd be with, and of being excited to develop new skills. Follow the PwC Professional - this DOES extend to your daily life, and is a good set of values to follow whether you end up here or not.