Software Engineer Review

At Capgemini I am a Software Engineer, currently working with a major client in a role which involves supporting, maintaining and improving an application that Capgemini created for them. This role requires constant communication with the client to ensure any changes needed are made correctly and to their needs. Whilst on this role I am also currently developing an application to be used internally for the recruitment team. This also involves regular calls to ensure that when completed it is fit for purpose and is done during quiet times of the client work. On top of these pieces of work I am also completing coursework for the apprenticeship qualification.

During my time at Capgemini I have learnt and developed many new skills. As part of the apprenticeship work I have undertaken training in Java, HTML, CSS, SQL, and Android Development. This was all provided as in-classroom training and included coursework and exams at the end. I have also had many days of Agile training whilst with Capgemini as this is a methodology that is used on many projects. Last year I earned a certification in Salesforce Development which I learned through studying during quiet times in the project I was on. In order to learn Salesforce a senior manager at Capgemini provided required resources and had regular calls with myself to see how I was getting on. Shortly, after receiving the certification I was given the chance to go on a role which was using Salesforce. With regards to soft skills such as emailing, these have come a long way just through experience of having to use them everyday.

I really enjoy the programme for multiple reasons. The company culture is great with things like dress-down Friday and the ability to work from home when you need to which provides great flexibility. I have been at Capgemini for over 1 year and a half and during my time here I have yet to meet someone who I don't enjoy the company of. The environment I work in is very friendly and can be casual where employees can talk to each other freely as long as work is being done. A really important part I have found great whilst working at Capgemini is the fact that I don't feel as though I am treated as an apprentice and I am given real responsibilities and the opportunity to make decisions with the client independently. Sometimes maintaining a day job whilst having to complete the coursework for the apprenticeship qualification can be a lot of work but I believe this is to be expected and will pay off.

As mentioned in the previous comment I feel highly valued at Capgemini and feel I am treated the same as the experienced employees who aren't apprentices. My manager is always willing to help out if I am struggling with anything and puts time aside to ensure we have time to talk to him about any potential issues etc. Apprentices are given the chance to receive a promotion every 6 months which is based upon feedback from your manager and colleagues on your project. We are also given a reviewer who we talk to regularly to ensure we are on target with our performance.

The programme is well organised and a lot of hard work goes into ensuring the apprentice programme runs smoothly. On joining the company we were given an induction week which gave us all the information we needed with regards to Capgemini, projects and how the apprenticeship would run. The training has been more than adequate as mentioned in section 2. However, their have been times where a miscommunication has occurred and it has been unclear what units we were supposed to do.

The training provider provides us a reviewer who meets with us once every 6 weeks and reviews the work we have done in between and sets us the work we need to complete for the next meeting. For any problems though we can email or ring the reviewer in between these meetings and if needed they will meet us. When first starting the programme the reviewer would often take long times to reply, however, after a few weeks and letting our manager know this was resolved and a reply is received promptly.

The HR team in charge of Apprentices are really helpful and we have monthly calls with them to receive updates and for us to give them feedback. My manager is very reasonable and if I needed some time to focus on the apprenticeship work or I was being overworked he would understand and help me out.

The apprenticeship offers a very competitive starting salary and have locations all over the UK taking on apprentices. I know many apprentices who live at home whilst on the apprenticeship and are happy with the salary. I moved to London and rented a place to join this apprenticeship and I have found the salary sufficient to do so even with the high living costs of London! In terms of travel costs the company can provide a "season ticket loan" which allows employees to buy a year card for the train (for example) and pay it back to capgemini over a year at 0% interest which has been very useful.

Outside of work there are quite a few social events every few months. For example, last year there was Christmas party at a nice venue for all employees based in London (people based elsewhere had there own event as well). The department I work in also have a monthly social where people go for drinks to socialise and meet new faces. The company gets actively involved with schools and I have attended many events at schools which involved me speaking to the pupils about what options are available to them when they leave school.

Yes

Capgemini provides the perfect opportunity for anyone with a passion for IT & Computing who don't think University is for them. The fact that the salary is competitive for an apprenticeship and a degree is provided means this is a great opportunity.

The most important thing is to be yourself. Before applying research the company and apprenticeship offered and ensure if it for you. Capgemini look for people with a clear interest in IT and business but also people who hold the seven values of Capgemini (which can be found online).