Software Engineer Review

My role involves working across software projects across several different disciplines within software engineering. We study for a level 6 degree and also are working towards completing a level 4 diploma. Day-to-day I work on different tasks that are assigned to me. Each task can vary in size and their complexity of what needs to be done to solve the problem.

the biggest type of new skills I have been learning in my role are mostly around the transition from a school environment into a working office environment. This working office environment has helped me to develop my communication skills and my networking skills. I have also developed on my problem solving skills through my daily tasks as each task is its own small problem.

So far I am really enjoying my apprenticeship and learning lots in the role, both through my study and my actual work for the business. I enjoy most aspects of the programme and I am finding it hugely beneficial to my learning and career progression. I enjoy the problem solving aspect of the programme especially.

I find that the programme is well structured and is clearly defined for clear progression throughout my time. This is helped by the university timetable as it provides some of that progression. Within the business we work across different placements of 6 months which helps to keep the work varied and continuing learning.

I feel that the support from the employer is very good and is substantial. There is support available for almost any topic. As an employee I feel well supported and looked after due to the vast amount of support that is available across different areas, whether it be mental health support, support while travelling, tech support etc.

I have found the support from the training provider to be less than ideal so far. We do most of our work remotely with a small amount of contact time, and this contact time not always being utilised in the most useful way. Our block release weeks I do find to be beneficial though.

The qualification from the training provider does help to translate into the job role as the course covers key concepts and ideas around software engineering and development. Without knowledge of some of these areas is would make the job more difficult for yourself. Some areas of the course I have not come across yet due to the stages of projects I have been on so far.

There are definitely extra curricular events available to take part in at work. There are different social events or activities to do at lunch time. There are also bigger activates such as site tours available. There is also the opportunity to be supported by the business as a STEM ambassador and to support the business as one too at local outreach events.

Yes

Overall my experience so far have been very positive and the programme is providing me with lots of opportunities to advance my learning, knowledge and career. As an employee I feel well looked after and well rewarded for the work that I do. The business is also very welcoming of apprentices and I'm able to ask any questions I may have without worrying about a negative response.

Make sure to do your research before you go into your interview or assessment centre. Make sure to be yourself to show the business who you really are to give yourself the best chance of being successful in your application. Most of all I recommend to just do your best that you can for your application