Software Engineering Apprentice Review

by Barnett Waddingham

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.8/10

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

Attending team meetings such as stand up and other scrum meetings. Working on user stories from the story board, communicating with the team on certain tasks where needed. Ensuring that apprenticeship related things are done such as logging OTJ time and updating my portfolio with tasks that I have completed, ensuring each KSB has been achieved.

10/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Definitely, I have developed loads of skills really fast, especially in the Multiverse Bootcamp. This was a very fast paced learning time of 3 months of learning that's not related to the company I am at in any way but to help understand the basics of coding and the workflow. The part at the end was the most learning filled part, when we were tasked in the last 4 weeks to independently learn in a new language related to the company. This was also a good time to practise communicating with the team, asking them what tech would be best so I could make best use of this independent learning time.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

It's been very well organised from the start, of course some teething issues but it started quite smoothly, especially considering that the company had never done a software engineering apprenticeship before. So far it's been a really fun time, with constant learning and support from other devs on the team.

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Seems quite well structed, boot camp was the most structured part by far but other aspects are such as the once a week sessions with Multiverse coaches. It is obvious the structure after boot camp is mostly up to the company and the one I am at has done it really well with them keen to actively help in regards to the requirements of the qualification.

10/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Loads, they have been really welcoming and friendly with the onboarding and putting up with the endless number of questions! They are always happy to help when an issue arises and it's usually sorted pretty quickly.

10/10

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

They, Multiverse to tend to help post boot camp but are slow to respond and sometimes don't answer. They are making some effort but I feel that they could be more communicative post boot camp as it feels like they have almost stopped.

6/10

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

At the moment, it seems that working towards the qualification will help as the company is able to find work that will meet the criteria. But the training provider Multiverse isn't of much help since they don't have specialist coaches for any languages apart from JavaScript, so the learning is through work.

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.)

10/10

9a. Would you recommend Barnett Waddingham to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

They seem like a really nice company to work for, they care about their employees and everyone who I have spoke to is really friendly.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Barnett Waddingham?

I think it's more about the person rather than experience, of course experience does help but if they can see you are a trustworthy individual and that you can take on board feedback and tasks well, they will really like you.