Software Engineer Review

My day to day role involves developing software and fixing any code issues relating to software. I work in a full stack development role, developing from the back end (with databases etc) all the way to the front end (of websites and webservices). Additionally, I also do some testing and other software lifecycle jobs.

I have learnt many new skills and developed many existing skills whilst undertaking the degree apprenticeship. I have picked up skills in coding, learning multiple coding languages, best practices for coding, testing code, presentation skills, report writing, evaluating code, evaluating my own development within projects, and understanding how the business functions.

I have been on the Digital and Technology Solutions degree at Manchester Metropolitan University for a few years now and have thoroughly enjoyed my time and learning undertaken on the course. From discussing real world work with the industry experienced lecturers to meeting and networking with other people within the course. The university experience is a very good one, even though I am only at the university for one day a week.

The structure of the course is one that is very accommodating to students who are working full time alongside the degree. The university is in constant contact with employees to ensure. There is a full week induction in year 1 to take you through what the course entails as well as giving a coding bootcamp. And throughout the assignments there is a lot of support from lecturers and past students to ensure work can be achieved. And from the work side of things, my work will happily support and time above the 1 day a week required for university attendance by allowing time to booked off for university work during the work week. Th university also provide a support mentor who acts as a liaison between the university and my work to resolve any potential issues relating to both work and university. Additionally, constant feedback is asked for in order to improve the course year on year.

I receive plenty of support from my employer as my Line Manger will hold check in calls with me once a month to find out how I am doing, both in relation to work tasks as well as university tasks. The general attitude towards supporting me is very supportive as if I require any additional time to work on university tasks I am encouraged to do so. Additionally, a workplace mentor was assigned to me at the start of the course to help me transition into my role.

We have several Tutors and advisors helping us during lab sessions at university, with additional support being able to be scheduled with the lecturers in the form of one-to-one meetings as well. Also, any additional support material is available on the Moodle with lecturers always emailing additional materials through to help and give guidance on any problems relating to a specific unit.

As the university and my employer work hand in hand, my employer has a say in what is being taught at the university. As a result of this, the leanings undertaken at university line up perfectly with my day-to-day role, and vice versa. With a constant urge to put theory into practice through assignments, as well as ensuring we learn about wider business theory.

There are many extra-curricular activities to get involved in within my work, such as various company events and hackathon coding sessions. In addition to this, there are many social events held throughout the year, with at least 1 happening every quarter, and an end of year Christmas do to finish the year. My employer also offers the opportunity to attend courses and have a colleague perk which helps to pay for the costs of any out of office learning (such as driving lessons etc). There is also a lunchtime football initiative at the sports centre near my office. There are also many opportunities to support the local community and mentor students at a nearby school.

Yes

Lloyd’s banking group offer a load of support for my job role as well as my university learnings. In addition to this, the colleague perks and schemes offered are some of the best available for a full-time employee. Lloyds also have a strong affliction to ensuring a good work life balance, and consistently offer the ability to work from home or any of Lloyd’s office. The support given to colleagues throughout the pandemic has been second to none.

The application process is an industry standard process, where there is an initial online form, followed by online ability assessments, followed by online interview questions, followed by an assessment day (which consists of tasks and a face-to-face interview). If you are interested in any job role within Lloyds, you just have to show a determination and want to work here through the use of personal development, any actual work-based experience isn't entirely necessary.