Quality Engineer Review

I am involved in testing software for a new payment stream, my colleagues develop the software and it is up to me to test this. I write code to test the software and I am also involved in a lot of meetings. I interact with alot of different people but we are all working towards the one project.

I have learnt/learning many new skills, I am learning the Java coding language at the moment and I have been learning the different methodologies for my place of work. Learning the foundations of software creation helps to understand why certain things and meetings happen. I have also learnt about the different types of software testing and how each is used.

I do really enjoy my programme however, I feel the work in my team is very complicated therefore it is hard to take everything and understand exactly what is going on. It's hard to understand all of the different concepts and processes, I am used to knowing my job inside out so it has been a struggle for me.

The programme seems to be structured well in terms of projects I need to complete for my apprenticeship and my Firebrand mentor as been amazing at answering any questions or queries that I have had. I think I would be struggling more if I didn't have a previous apprentice in my team as they have kept me right all the way through whereas other apprentices seem to get stuck alot.

I have alot of support from my employer, I am never pressured or pushed to pick up work it is up to me to pick up bits that I would be comfortable with or that would benefit me for use in one of my projects. My colleagues in the team have been amazing with understanding I am an apprentice and help me to develop myself.

The support from my training provider has also been good, there have been a few teething issues however, they seem to get less as time goes on. The first project was a bit harder as I didnt know how it was to be laid out or written but I now know what they are looking for which will make all other projects a bit easier.

I think it helps me perform better as I actually have to write about things that I have researched or learnt in my project, this helps me to retain the information and deepen my understanding. This also helps to prep for the mock tests and courses throughout the apprenticeship and sets me up to pass.

There are always things to get involved in at my work, there is something called reboot which is held in London, its a networking event where there are lots and lots if workshops throughout a couple of days to be involved in. There are also gardening things and womans groups to be involved in too.

Yes

I have worked for Lloyds for almost 5 years now and I love the colleague benefits that are on offer, I also have always been treated very well while working here. The offices are nice and there are little extras that Lloyds do to make it a better place ie free tea, coffee and hot chocolate in all of the offices.

I would say that once you are in you're in so there are plenty opportunities to work your way up, if you don't start off in a role you particularly like or enjoy Lloyds will always push for personal development and there are plenty of paths to choose from.