Software Engineer Review

I am a Software Engineer working on one large release and a smaller "innovation" piece of work. I really enjoy the variety, and having the innovation work allows me to lean new skills which I otherwise wouldn't on larger projects.

Prior to joining Capgemini I had no technical skills. In a year and a half at the company I have learnt: C#, SharePoint, Windows 8 Application Development, JavaScript, HTML5, Dynamics CRM 2013 and basic Unix. I have also been a test analyst for several months. In terms of what I have learnt, excellent.

The programme managers and NVQ assessors are friendly, the work is engaging and I have learnt many skills. I personally feel the NVQ is the best an NVQ can be under the current governments work-based-assessment structure so cannot fault this part of my NVQ. I am looking forward to my degree, although I do think it is a shame Capgemini had to move providers (creating a 2 year wait for the new one).

Capgemini is one of the best companies to work for as an Apprentice, if not the best. You are not held back by your apprenticeship, if anything the range of skills and training provided can help you progress faster than other colleagues in the organisation.

The new structure, 2 years NVQ and 3 years degree, is balanced and at the right academic level. The only part of this I do not like is that doing the degree will be dropping back to 4.5 day weeks when I start my degree, which I belive will affect my perfomance on projects, so I am likely to not take the study time I am entitled to and instead do University work on the weekend.

During the initial training "boot camp" we had a high level of support from training providers. This initially tapered off until apprentices began to raise concerns about low level the assessor-apprentice contact time and I now feel that we have a great level of support from our NVQ Assessors. We also have regular conference calls with Programme Managers. I would however like to see more training opportunities from my Business Unit, which non-Apprentices seem to have easier access to.

A dedicated reviewer, program manager, team leader and QA Assessor make for an employer who is really easy to engage with for any issues - personal, project or apprenticeship. Capgemini seems to have one of the best support mechanisms in the market.

My salary is far better than other apprenticeships on the market, and my grade and salary are rising to a level where in a couple of years I will be on par with many full time employees in Capgemini and in the wider IT Industry.

Many social events are offered by work.

Yes

I believe wholeheartedly that Capgemini offer the best Higher Apprenticeship in the country. This may seem a big claim to make but having compared the package of training, project experience and pay I have to other organisations - including those outside of the IT industry - it is difficult to do better.

Be confident but be a teamplayer. Capgemini values individuals who perform well in a team. If you have the drive to succeed Capgemini is the place to be, with accellerated and standard pay & progression tracks your career is what you make of it and Capgemini will help you succeed every step of the way.