Software Engineer Review

My role is currently within a devOps team focussing on live support for one of our majn clients within the UK. This includes maintaining existing systems, providing live Incident resolution and much more. My team has also allowed me to specialise into the software testing sector which is the majority of my day to day work.

My technical skills have grown exponentially over the 2.5 years that I have currently been on thus degree apprenticeship. Software testing skills, knowledge of various languages such as Haskell, Ada and python have all developed. There has also been the chance to improve soft skills such as delegation and client collaboration l.

I thoroughly enjoy the modules of the programme, they are varied and interesting, although many are not relevant to the specific areas where I would like to see my career grow. Communication and decision making from the university/provider has been lacking since the beginning and is the only downside.

From my company's point of view, this is very well structured - however there are times when there is a lack of understanding as to how much time is needed to complete studies. From a university standpoint, the programme is not well organised or structured and there is no understanding that we are studying and working at the same time.

I don't really receive any support from my immediate manager/team, although that is also because I do jot reach out and ask for it. However, this does feel like the onus should be on the employer rather than the apprentice. More support would be greatly appreciated for newer apprentices.

No support really from the training provider. As the years of my degree programme have gone on, it seems more akin to the provider forgetting that we are apprentices who are working full time, and therefore cannot dedicate equivalent hours to studying. There is also a lack of empathy shown at times towards personal circumstances.

This is a catch-22 situation. Without some of the knowledge from the qualification so far, there are areas of my role that I simply would not be in a position to do. However, the majority of the qualification is not really related to my direct role and if anything, takes away time that could be spent learning elsewhere.

The company puts a big emphasis on social responsibility and the importance in taking part in other activities. However, there is sometimes a lack of understanding that these activities can be around interests outside of the IT industry. There are many internal networks that focus on important causes and these are sometimes seen as not important as they aren't IT specific.

Yes

This is the first company that I have worked for in a long time that has actually helped me to enjoy going to work. The culture and beliefs of the organisation are shared by everyone and there is room to develop a fulfilling career here. I would recommend it to friends.

Be prepared to work hard for what (at times) may seem like little reward or recognition. But in the long term that recognition will come. Ask questions and flag to the company if the programme is not as expected and they will work to help make the programme run smoother.