Software Developer Apprentice Review

I work within an agile software development team. I am mainly working on backend code that underlies many of Experian's systems. I take part in all stages of the development cycle, from carrying out investigations and analysis, through development and testing and finally implementation. Within the team I work with a lead developer who is able to help and advise with any technical questions.

I had some coding / development skills beforehand, but no formal training. I have learnt a large amount of new skills, including new programming languages. A particular area that I have learnt a lot is in the analysis and documentation side of development which is very important in a large organisation.

The program is definitely enjoyable! The workload can be pretty high at times between the university and job commitments, but both sides recognise and support me in that. My employer and team has been very welcoming. The work is interesting and seeing how it fits into the "big picture" is very impressive. The university modules have also been really interesting and parts of them very enjoyable.

My employer is very organised and that side of my programme is very well structured. They have a range of support and development opportunities which are very well done. The university side can be less well structured - due to the intensity of the study blocks and that the lecturers have "regular" classes alongside it can sometimes be challenging to work out what is going on.

My employer is incredibly supportive. This is at every level, from my team upwards. My manager has regular check-ins to make sure everything is okay, and I feel very comfortable talking to them about any issues I might have. My employer also puts a lot of effort into being a great place to work, which also really helps make me feel supported.

The training provider is supportive. They have helped me with some unavoidable outside issues in a way that was extremely helpful. Sometimes they can be harder to contact, but when I am able to contact them I feel very supported. It isn't always clear who I need to contact.

Due to the nature of the technology I am currently working on in my role my qualification is not immediately helpful. I do feel however that it will become much more helpful in the future. Some elements of the training, specifically the focus on some kinds of documentation, are less helpful. I have talked to the people in my workplace that in theory would use this and they do not as it is outdated.

Yes. The Experian early careers team puts on a wide range of different activities. These range from talks and networking events to social activities. There are also employee resource groups that form around certain areas that also provide activities, as well as activities organised by the great place to work teams. There's also a fitness club that takes place at the office.

Yes

Experian has felt like a very welcoming and supportive place to work. I have the chance to work on technologies and services that are fundamental to the UK economy, which is very interesting. I have been given lots of opportunities to increase my skills, and there is a wide range of internal opportunities in very different areas across the business.

Do it! It is a very good place to work. Be aware that Experian uses an incredibly wide range of different technologies, so if you have prior experience you will be learning something new still. Have a read around the amount of different areas to do with data that Experian is involved in - it is really quite impressive and will help with articulating why you want to join in an interview.