Software Apprentice Review

In my role as a Software Apprentice for the company, I primarily work at developing software in the department(s) I am placed in, and have to communicate with other colleagues and teams to achieve a common objective relating to the software we are working on. Besides this, I study at University (Level-6 Degree) when term-time is active, and also complete Diploma (Level-4) work.

I have learnt lots about the working environment, and developed lots in interacting with colleagues and teams of people in order to complete work or get a task done properly. As well as this, I have learnt a lot about certain software aspects i.e. the Linux operating system and the compiling process. I have even learnt a new programming language entirely (Ada).

I enjoy the programme greatly, as I have learnt lots since starting it and have met lots of new people in doing so. Despite the short time spent, it has already given me a wide variety of opportunities and developments in both my personal aspects as well as my programming/software engineering abilities.

The programme is well structured, being split into three separate main categories: Diploma, University, and Placement (on-site) work. It is therefore easy to compartmentalise parts of my role and focus on certain things when necessary. There are however some things that could be improved however, namely the Diploma, as resources, submissions, etc. do not seem to be centralised in one place for easy access. I sometimes find myself asking for the help of others in order to find things relating to the Diploma aspect of the role.

Fortunately, I receive a lot of support from my employer. As an Early Careers apprentice, I am able to approach my "Skills Coach" for feedback with elements of the role that I might be struggling with. When introduced to the role, I was provided with plenty of information and guidance as to where I can receive any necessary support regarding health (both physical and mental) among other aspects, should I require it at any point. Similarly, the company has provided a large number of benefits that aid me in my position and support my daily activities as a part of the role.

I receive plenty of support from my training provider, and I am even offered/provided with additional support in the event that I fall behind the level of expected progress, in order to help me stay on track. As well as this, there are people to approach in Early Careers if I ever find elements/topics of University study difficult.

The Degree-level qualification will undoubtedly provide me with the necessary knowledge to improve my performance when working in my role with the company. Similarly, the standards and competencies that I aim to achieve in the Diploma aspects of the qualification aid my understanding of the working environment and the proper behaviours that should be expected in it. It should be important to note that the first year of University provides different amounts of benefit to different people -- personally, I learnt much more in my actual placement work from my colleagues and practical activities/tasks than at University, simply due to my experience and background in Computer Science study. However, others at my level who may be new to the topic of programming and Computer Science may have more to gain/learn from this and will have found it more beneficial than I. Therefore, I find it good that everyone is granted the opportunity to be brought "up-to-speed" before the complexity of the work/study picks up.

To my knowledge, there are a lot of of extra-curricular activities to get involved in at the workplace. One of these is the opportunity to volunteer as a STEM Ambassador. This allows anyone, even those in my role, to visit schools etc. and advertise the benefits of practicing scientific or mathematical subjects, in order to inspire others in the next generation. Other opportunities include the PASS Scheme, or sporting activities like the football team.

Yes

The amount of experience gained in my short time at the company in the role has been far greater than I could have imagined. It is also to a much greater depth than what can be afforded at an academic level alone (e.g. a regular University degree). Not only this, but I have been provided a great amount of opportunities to meet new people and develop my network of personal contacts, and have been given many opportunities to improve my personal and professional sets of skills.

I would advise getting in contact with others who already have a role in the company, and seeking their advice as to what qualities make a good or valuable member of a team, particularly in this line of work. I would also advise reading lots of information about the company where you can so that you can get a fully-educated picture of the role you are applying for, and the business sector you are entering. Aligning and drawing parallels with your interests and the core values of the company is also a great benefit.