Software Engineer Review

I have undertaken different roles throughout the apprenticeship, though now I work as a mobile software engineer, working on a cross-platform (Xamarin.Forms upgrading to .NET MAUI) app. I am responsible for full contributions to the design discussions, development, testing and iteration based on feedback from customers of the app and our internal stakeholders.

I have learned a lot more about programming throughout the apprenticeship, as well as elements of networking, databases and design areas. In addition to this, I have learned about Agile methodologies and the different practices associated with them, such as SCRUM. I have also become a lot more outgoing and well spoken to different people.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my programme from start to finish. There have been challenges with internal shifting, typical big business changes, but I have always been well looked after and explained what is happening. My programme has not been effected as part of this either. Generally, I have enjoyed my programme mix too, learning on the job and off the job too.

The programme for me at least could have been improved with this. I was the only apprentice in my region, where I started in Doncaster, moved to a team in Sheffield, then a team in Leeds and then COVID struck so was at home after that. I know other apprentices didn't struggle as much as me for knowing their next internal rotation as they all stayed within the same area.

I have received lots of support from my employer, with constant offerings for more training. Any time I need extra time for studying, such as around deadlines, I was always given an appropriate amount of time without feeling guilty or a burden on anyone. I also received support where required from my managers where they needed to take time out of their day to join meetings with the training provider.

I got lots of support from the training provider. The staff were regularly offering support both in and out of university. As the pandemic hit, I felt we got more support and the training was seamlessly swapped online with little issues. Looking back, the flow of work we did helped to contribute to the final piece of work for completion of the programme.

It allowed me to get a better understanding of theory behind some computer science concepts and best practices. I can then take this into the workplace, improving some of our teams work and share knowledge to write cleaner, more efficient code. Furthermore, using different programming languages and different concepts allows me to transfer different skills learned from each and apply it to others.

This didn't effect me too much again as I was remote in comparison to other apprentices. However, there was a chat where plenty of extra-curricular activities were planned for other apprentices where there multiple apprentices in the same intake and area. My local teams did organise events around Christmas and when I was changing teams throughout my apprenticeship.

Yes

They are keen on their apprenticeships and proud of the work that apprentices do. There are plenty of opportunities to progress in your career at BT. They also are very understanding and try to help people who may think the role they chose isn't right for them and want to swap into something related, but more enjoyable.

Be yourself, be confident and know that you don't have to know everything from the beginning. The programme is designed to start from the basics and build the person up over the 4 years you are an apprentice. I would also suggest people to ask questions and challenge themselves on the programme to get the most out of it they can.