Software Engineer Apprentice Review

Day to day I work with multiple computers with multiple different types of software to create software based applications and plugins. I also work a lot with the networking side of things including messaging broker systems and overall office based networking systems. There is also an Agile approach to work so almost daily meetings of catch-up where advice and help is given.

I have learnt a lot with many different programming languages and approaches to work. The programming languages include C++, proprietary solutions and Unreal Engine. I also learnt a lot with the agile approach to working and scrum based systems with a stand-up meeting format. Furthermore, messaging systems such as DDS and DIS/HLA as well.

I love working within my office, the office culture is great and super helpful and friendly. The meeting based system is also great as it allows people to hear what everyone is working on, and offer advice and help if needed. The actual office equipment could be better, but it's perfectly adequate for my role.

The program within Lockheed is very good, it's structured properly with regular meetings with line managers to discuss how the program is going and what they can help with. I have been challenged enough so I have something to do everyday too. The college side of things could be significantly better, but Lockheed helps there too.

I receive significant support from my employer in the means of benefits like the 4 day working week, generous overtime rates, good holiday leave as well. Furthermore, instant messaging systems mean I can easily contact my manager if something is wrong, and they are super fast to respond and help me if there are issues.

The college could be much much better, there are significant flaws with the college's system for apprentices, as they are not fully classed as University students, it means we don't have access to the university resources, which means there are conflicts during the lecture where we cannot access certain things. One example is a lack of domain server for one of the assignments due in next week...

The degree studies haven't been fully relevant to my work however this is understandable due to the first year being an overall study session and second year being more focused towards programming. There has been some carry over with the networking side of things, and the work based module was very good too.

There aren't as many of these as there could be, but there are regular opportunities to visit other sites across the country such as London and Portsmouth, but in terms of office based extra activities it's mostly left to us to organize, and thus far nothing has been organized to a proper extent.

Yes

Because of the great flexibility to choose your own working hours, the great pay + pay reviews, the benefits such as discounted gym membership and the private medical care as well as the excellent 4 day week. You do have to work long hours in the office, but it's worth it.

Expect a warm and friendly welcome, but a long unavoidable security clearance time. Unfortunately this is necessary and is handled externally, it can take several months for the security to pass, but it's worth it once you can start working with a friendly and supportive team. Be prepared to talk to several senior staff on a regular basis as well as interact with external customers too.