Technology Degree Aorentice Review

For 3 of the four years I am a Computer Science student like any other at the University of Leeds. At the end of my first year I have a 10 week placement with PWC as well as at the end of my second year. However, the second 10 week placement leeds onto a year long placement. When on placement, I am placed in a team to help out. I often use applications such as Alteryx and Tableau

As stated in the previous question, I am a computer science student at the University of Leeds full time in my first, second and fourth years. This means that I will gain and develop all the skills that my peers not in this course will. As well as this, I also gain extra experience when on placement. This includes skill working with Alteryx, Tableau and UIPath

When applying to University, I was unsure whether to go down the typical University path or to get a degree through an apprenticeship. PWC was able to give me the best of both worlds this has ensured that I enjoy every aspect of the programme greatly. I mostly enjoy my programming modules at University and love being able to apply these skills when on placement.

I believe that COVID has caused some hindrance to the programme, because of the u-turn the government made, more people than expected got onto this course in 2020. I think lead to them not having enough work allocated to us. Other than this, the programme is very well organised and structured with weekly insight meetings alongside the structure of the University programme.

PWC are always keen to let us know the extent of help available. There is a specific email address that TDAs can use o get in contact with one of our managers if we ever need support, we can also message these people via google chat, etc. and they are always happy to help. As well as this, they have mental health hotlines if we wish to speak to someone other than a manager (although I have heard they have turned a few people away).

For 4 of the 10 weeks of my first summer placement, we were placed on various training programmes. This helped me feel as though I would be more ready to get involved with my team on week 5. However, we were given too long for these training programmes and I feel like some of this time could have been better spent.

I feel that the training we received in how to use specific applications was extremely helpful as we then continued to use these applications throughout the rest of the placement. However, we were over allocated time to do this. We also receive training around how to get the most out of our placement and more general subjects in our weekly calls. I have found all of these very useful.

There are often social event put on by the student team throughout the year. There were even virtual events when the COVID pandemic meant that we couldn't meet face to face. For one event we were all sent pizza kits so that we could have a virtual pizza night.

Yes

This programme has allowed me to focus entirely on my current work at hand, whether it is University or placement work. This is due to the structure of the course; we are not expected to be at University for half the week and at PWC for the other, for example. It has also meant that I do not have the worry of looking for placements/ a year in industry when I should be focusing on coursework.

I would suggest that they show off their personality and social skills as much as possible. PWC like to employ people that can let their personality shine whilst still acting professionally. Showcase your teamwork skills at every opportunity you can. It's not just about how smart you are, but how you use your abilities.