Software Developer Review

I am a Software Developer on an Open Source project hosted on Github. On a daily basis, I develop features that have been assigned to me as a Github issue, I diagnose regression test failures from the previous evening and develop and deliver a fix for them if appropriate and I attend Scrums and meetings with the rest of the development team.

I had no experience in technology before I started my Software Developer apprenticeship so all the practical skills I have acquired are new skills, such as learning to code in Java, COBOL and Golang. I have developed my softer skills in areas such as team working, logical and lateral thinking, problem solving etc.

I thoroughly enjoyed the practical part of the programme. The work was very varied as I had to learn many different skills to pass the apprenticeship so I feel I have gained a varied skillset and am a well rounded developer. I felt that my team were very supportive in giving me the correct work that would allow me to best demonstrate the skills needed for the apprenticeship. The company culture around apprentices is very progressive in that apprentices are treated as equal to experienced employees. The last part of the programme, the End Point Assessment, was more stressful however only lasts for a few months.

The programme is very well structured: there is a clear timeline so you know if you have kept on track of your deliverables at each stage. I did feel there could have been more training and support at the very beginning, especially since I had no technical experience before the programme, but as time went by I did feel well supported. Also, the fact that the required off-the-job learning hours was 20% of my working hours made it easy to put aside that time, usually one day a week.

IBM were very supportive: my managers were in constant contact with me throughout the programme. My manager and mentor also had to write my Employer Reference which contributed to my end grade, so were very in the loop with what was happening. The general attitude towards supporting me was very positive - if I needed some more time to complete work towards the apprenticeship that was prioritised.

You have an assigned Learning Mentor who you check in with once a month, and can contact on an adhoc basis. At the start of the programme I felt that more regular contact and more training would have been beneficial, towards the end once a month is probably sufficient.

While Software Development is an exciting industry with many different ways of working, I feel that the qualification has given me a standardised approach to a project, that I can extend and adapt to any project I work on now. I am aware of the different roles in the team and the parts they play in a project. Similarly, I have gained two externally recognised certifications as part of the qualification.

Due to the pandemic, there wasn't many in person extra curricular events until recently, but I did participate in two virtual 'hackathons' and attend virtual socials with other apprentices. I also got involved in National Apprenticeship Week which allowed me to meet more apprentices. More recently, I have been to a few social meals with my team. I have also been lucky enough to attend the IT Industry Awards in London.

Yes

IBM treats apprentices with the same amount of trust and respect as an experienced employee. You are given challenging work that really pushes you so you can learn and improve as much as you can. You are also working for one of the biggest technology companies and know that your work is contributing to important things.

Be authentic and show that you have a genuine interest and passion for technology. You do not need to already have experience and knowledge but just show that you want to work hard.