Software Engineer Apprentice Review

I am a software engineer apprentice in a business area that is mainly focused around customer data. I am back end so work on maintaining and creating API's to help create, read, update and delete customer data. I have to use a number of tools and I have had to become familiar with multiple coding languages. I interact daily with my team to come up with solutions to problems.

I have learned more about being what a software engineer actually means. I have learned what the role entails on a daily basis and how I need to interact with people in different roles and in which stages of the software lifecycle. I have become familiar with more coding languages and computer structure.

I enjoy my programme because the content is interesting however I do wish there was more "teaching" involved as it is very heavily video based. I would like it if there were more structure to get me from zero knowledge to job ready because it has been a very large jump.

I would say it is fairly well structured. There are 4 in-person courses that we have to attend and I do think the order of the courses could maybe be more thought and have more offerings for a basic level. There isn't enough structure in my opinion but I guess this is because it is a very diverse job role.

My employer is supportive. I have had a tricky time due to staff changes but everyone I have come across does genuinely want to help me. My team has sometimes struggled to get me things to work on because the nature of our work is very difficult so it isn't easy to find an entry point for me.

We receive 4 face-to-face courses that are approximately 3 days long covering a range of topics relevant to our role. Other than this we receive a list of recommended Pluralsight videos and occasionally a book to read prior to the course to give us initial knowledge. We have a training provider mentor who has monthly check ins to assess progress.

It helps with wider knowledge of what is going on around me to make things happen as well as just in my role. It also helps me work out what I need to learn and improve on and gets me thinking about my continuous development. Because I was new to role, I have no knowledge without the qualification.

There are always events happening in the office and virtual events too. Networking events happen in different locations and of different size. We also have opportunity to be involved in fundraising and charity work frequently. There are social activites to celebrate major events and holidays from lots of cultures due to our diverse work force.

Yes

Lloyds Banking Group are a fantastic company to work for and the values of the company definitely resonate with me. The pay structure is fair and the benefits are great. I feel like they really look after their staff and customers so I feel proud to work for them and would recommend them.

I would say to do your research and look into the group and our values. Interview questions are related to this so its important to have that understanding. You need to be willing to learn because there is so much to take in when you join. Culture and inclusion are also really important to Lloyds.