Software Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

What my role consists of is going to stand-up meetings every morning to discuss what needs to be added to a current project, and the associated programming language(s) is used to complete these tasks, which can vary in difficulty and length, and as a team we aim to complete all the tasks listed in the current sprint (which is a deadline for completing these listed tasks, basically).

Yes to both - the new skills that I have learned are primarily with using Visual Studio Code in a professional manner: before the apprenticeship I never really used Visual Studio Code in terms of using servers, so being able to now understand and competently use the professional features of this Iterative Development Environment (IDE) and utilising Git and GitHub has been a major addition to my skills. I have been programming since Year 7 (seven years ago), but only using IDEs such as Python and Eclipse, which all use consoles for testing, not servers. So being able to expand my current skills with this, as well as learning new programming languages, has been a major benefit for me.

I really enjoy my programme because it can be challenging, especially when outside the university, and but it also allows me to study what I have been really passionate about in my previous education - being Computer Science and programming. I enjoy the fact that there is always going to be something that is new to me which I will gain experience from, and that my logical thinking skills will be used throughout the apprenticeship.

I feel as though the programme is quite well structured, in the sense that university work and employment work can be balanced, with the flexibility of the programme being quite good. I'm able to prioritise the employment work once the university work has been completed, which helps keep stress levels down.

I have received a very good amount of support from my employer - throughout the induction, training and project stages of the apprenticeship, it has been reassured and proven that the support that apprentices such as myself will receive will be of a great standard, as well has the support being almost always available.

When working towards my qualifications, I have received a lot of support and encouragement for me to work on them, especially in the cases where university projects need to be worked on. I am given sufficient time from employers and my project team to work on my university programming and writing projects.

I feel as though, currently, the things that I am learning from my university qualification is things that I am familiar with, apart from learning new programming languages, however completing the university work and using my logical thinking skills to approach it definitely helps improve my confidence when tackling programming-related tasks in my work role.

Yes, there are things available at the firm in terms of extra-curricular activities, however most of them are situated in London, which is a shame, however that problem can be mediated with the fact that the university also has extra-curricular activities and opportunities available to keep a healthy body and mind.

Yes

I would definitely recommend KPMG to a friend, since there are multiple job opportunities for someone who is familiar with accountancy, working with computers and consultancy - and the firm are not only very good with maintaining discipline and professionalism, but they are also very supportive and flexible, especially with degree apprentices.

Always be prepared when applying. Degree apprenticeships in particular are very competitive so you need to make sure that you are prepared to include things that make you positively stand out from the rest of the potential recruits. Always remain interactive during your apprenticeship as that shows that you are proud to be part of the firm. Always adhere to the disciplinary and general procedure training as the training process can be complex if not understood. There will be points where you will be assessed on performance so make sure to make every single day count. Make sure to be social too! There are many social opportunities for you to get involved with. And also, make sure to be involved with the communities that exist within the firm.