Software Engineer Apprentice Review

As a Software Engineer Apprentice, day-to-day I spend most of my time programming software or learning new skills to improve my coding ability. I don't get to interact with many people personally as I work from home, but the team tries their best to mitigate this by including calls everyday which are less formal and talk about non-work related activities. In my role I have the same responsibilities as any other developer and am not looked at as an apprentice, but as any other employee and am judged off what I can do and my potential.

I have learnt many new skills in my role, being a software engineer apprentice you can imagine most of these skills are software related. As part of my team and the project we are currently doing I was required to learn Java and one of it's frameworks, SpringBoot using online resources to create backend microservices. I have also learnt many professional skills such as how to write emails and terms which are used in the business world.

I really enjoy the programme as I have been able to learn many new skills and meet different people that I now really get along with. My team was really good at making me feel comfortable coming into the company and done really well at bringing me up to speed with how the business works as it was all very new to me.

I thought it was organised well, there was a three day induction which introduced us to the programme and our cohort, it also gave us an overview of the company so we know a bit more about who we are working for. Being on the apprenticeship programme we are allowed one day a week where we work on our degree, this can be any day you organise with your line manager to fit around your daily schedule.

I receive a lot of support from my line manager as they understand the workload I have and accommodate for that. Luckily, in my wider team I have two other apprentices so we are able to work together on the programme and can relate and support each other to make the experience a lot better.

I feel the support could be better from the provider as I've had one session with my tutor after 3 months and nothing since then. There are regular Q&A sessions with the different tutors for each module which I think is a good touch to give you the opportunity to get any questions answered about your assignments.

Not all of the modules are software engineering related which is understandable, but that means that they are not all relevant to my job role. You do get one module each year which is focused on you chosen area which is the module I am currently doing and I can see the benefits of doing this module for my day-to-day role.

There are many different groups to join in Vodafone to fit your interests and automatically upon joining you will be added to the youth group which includes apprentices and graduates. They regularly do social events to network with other employees. Within your team there are also social events which take place throughout the year such as Christmas parties and as rewards for doing well. We are also entitled to three days of charity work which doesn't come out of your annual leave to participate in any charitable activity you believe in.

Yes

It has a great working culture which doesn't make you feel stupid for asking many questions. Everyone is willing to help and support you and you know you have an important role within the team, not just put into any team, but carefully selected, which comes with a lot or responsibility.

Learn as much as you can about the company and its culture to know if it's a place you would want to work for and be a part of. Prepare for the interview and make sure you practice your answers as well as having a lot of examples to give to show off your skills.