Software Engineer Review

I am a software engineer that focuses on the banks payment systems. Typically this involves picking up tickets (pieces of work) that are then worked on within a 2 week sprint cycle. The tickets usually relate to writing code or running tests and my team using Java and spring-boot to build.

I have developed my Java skills and also gained experience with various other tech related to software development such as Jira scrum boards, Jenkins for CI/CD pipelines, cloud deployment, spring-boot microservices amongst other things. The apprenticeship also started with a month long bootcamp where we got familiar with a number of different programming languages.

I've enjoyed the programme a lot and LBG create a real community for the apprentices and grads so its great to network and support each other as we go. Firebrand have had some staffing issues of late which has meant there's been uncertainty over the specifics of what people are to do but generally it has been good.

As mentioned above, the assignments have been a little chaotic from Firebrands end with their staffing issues but the programme does have clear steps on what you'll cover over the apprenticeship and clear guidance on what you should be learning. My team at LBG don't have a clear plan of work for apprentices and it's more about joining in where you can or want to but the team themselves are all friendly and incredibly supportive.

LBG have been really fantastic from day 1. I mentioned the community feel for their new apprentices and grads and on the first few days, my fellow new apprentices and I were taken separately to get our laptops setup and a general induction to the company which was brilliant. The team have all been fantastic giving me all the time I need to do any apprentice related work and giving me the time to travel to apprentice residentials.

There is a consistent manager at Firebrand who has been brilliant - very knowledgeable and informative - and the information guides they put out have been very helpful too. Staffing issues with our mentor meant direct communication was difficult and information received was often unclear or even incorrect so hopefully this improves with the new mentor.

As with any job, doing the role itself and shadowing and generally getting involved in work related activities is the best way to learn how to function successfully in the team. The qualifications we do as part of our apprenticeship have been good to give a higher level and broader understanding of the industry and how we fit in.

There are lots diversity for minorities, religions and women in tech along with associated events. I've also noticed if you use the internal social media there is plenty of company related sporting activities such as football or running that you can get involved in - even competitively. LBG have also put on hackathons which we are supported to attend if we wish and there's generally smaller events for networking and creating a positive atmosphere in the workplace which often involve some free food. Though it should be mentioned my team are only in the office 1 day a week (though you can go 5 if you want to).

Yes

There is a hugely supportive environment and a real community spirit created for apprentices which make it a really pleasant place to work. Admittedly, I'm always very sceptical of companies who make a big deal of company values but LBG's focus on them really does shine through in how positive and supportive my colleagues are.

Think about what you do in your life professionally, academically or in general that supports LBG's values. Think of plenty examples that show how you would positively contribute to life at LBG through living these values. Also, be able to explain why you want to work at LBG and why you'd like to be on the join the apprenticeship.