Software Developer Review

by Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Rating

7.1/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

    • Coding new features/bugs Reviewing others code Meetings regarding designing applications AGILE meetings: Standup, Refinement, Retro Paired programming Ensure progress on tickets is moving Ensuring secure and clean coding Improving services both for business and clients Finding solutions to technical problems Translating requirements into technical solutions

    9/10
  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

    • Problem solving Programming Testing Improved Communication Software development knowledge Analysing Researching

    9/10
  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

    • Work side of it I thoroughly enjoyed but the apprenticeship was average, due to the providers being unorganised.

    8/10
  • 4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

    • Employer wise, excellent. Very well supported and clear understanding. Learning opportunities are clear and the understanding of what I should know. Makers wise, lots to improve. More focus needed on updating the resources and training the staff in how to support and coach.

    7/10
  • 5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

    • Lots of assistance. They were extremely supportive and guided me through making sure I had everything I needed.

    10/10
  • 6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

    • This was a mixed bag. Not great when it came to clarity of goals, resources were poor and some of the coaches in the bootcamp were not great (or not in). I think improvements and updating is needed to bring them up to a good, useful standard.

    3/10
  • 7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

    • The actual apprenticeship opportunity through my employer has changed my life and started my journey in a career I love. The training provider helped during the bootcamp, although not greatly.

    4/10
  • 8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

    • There are things here and there but i think with remote working this is not as common. I am not to concerned about that though as I stay in touch with colleagues to socialise.

    7/10
  • 9a. Would you recommend Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs to a friend?

    • Yes

  • 9b. Why?

    • DEFRA: Overall great projects and people Makers: I would as it is a good way to start a new career, although I would warn about the potential issues.

  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs?

    • Don't worry about feeling like you do not know anything. Just show them the drive you have.

Details

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Software Engineering

Bristol

October 2023

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