Software Engineer Review

Software engineer, created COBOL and DB2 solutions for the customer.

Yes, wide range of skills on qualification such as Security in ICT, Agile, Testing, Event Driven Programming and in the job skills like COBOL and DB2.

Enjoy the work and the qualification, staff has been supportive and my expectations have been met.

Valued because I have progressed at a steady rate in terms of promotions and pay rises. Had good mid and end of year reviews.

Overall very good but slightly lower marks because of a few specific things. Sometimes the criteria of some of our coursework changed so we had to go back and revisit certain things even though they had already been signed off. The other is that we were supposed to attend workshops across the two years. These got cancelled in favour of online video workshops but QA took ages to get them ready meaning we had much less time to get all of the workshops done. Other than that, have regular meetings with reviewers to track progress and where I can go next in terms of current work, training oppurtunities etc.

Recieved 6 weekly meetings from a QA assessor, these were plenty and we could always email or phone if we needed anything else.

Lots of support, manager is approachable, HR department is useful and everyone is up for helping.

Great, moved into a 4 bedroom house with some friends and can commute to work with an annual season ticket train pass which is paid for through an interest free company loan. The loan gets deducted from my wage every month and is a great way for me to afford travel. Living comfortably and manage to save a bit each month too.

Yes, lots of training, social events, voluntary work and clubs. They are all advertised through newsletter emails and on the intranet page.

Yes

Yes, great wage for an apprenticeship and quality training which gets you respected and recognised qualifications. Plenty of opportunity to move elsewhere within the business.

Make sure you prepare heavily and don't worry too much about prior technical knowledge. As long as you work well as a team and get on with everyone at the assessment centre you should do well. The company trains you in technical knowledge right from the basics. The 3 months on site training in Telford can sound daunting but it's a lot of fun.