Software Engineer Apprentice Review

Within term time, I complete 2 days at university and 3 days working with half a day assigned to completing diploma. I have worked on a variety of tasks such as bug fixes, testing, as well as complete applications.

I have learnt about the different process followed within a large organisation such as BAE and soft skills such as interacting with different team members and customers. I have learnt some new software skills however within placements you can end up doing a lot of the same stuff and new skills aren't nessary learnt so it just turns into a job.

I have enjoyed the programme and I feel I have been lucky to be a part of some interesting projects. The univeristy side is enjoyable and provides a social side, however when there is a bulk of assignments out it can be an incredible amount of workload with many people pulling all nighters to complete work to deadlines. An improvement would be to get apprentices on newer and more exciting projects rather than older teams who are "stuck in the ways".

There has been improvement in the overall structure as when I joined the diploma was a mess and caused many to be far behind target. The Diploma markers work hard to get work back to us and are always really helpul. My main critism is that any feedback we give to managment never seems to be taken seriously and that our placements are set in stone from day one. This means that you have ABSOLUTELY no control over your apprentiship and abilty to choose and decide which area you would like to end up working in, which is not the case in other schemes.

The diploma markers are much better now and are quick to repsond and offer support. The wider apprentice leads are often not seen for months at a time and there doesn't seem to be much communication.

UCLAN is a mixed bag, there are some really good lectures and lab tutors. However almost every year there has been issues with timetables and having lectures on days where we are due to be in work.

There has been lot's of crossover between the degree and work which has allowed me to perfom better in both areas. The modules chosen work well with the sort of tasks we complete as part of our day to day roles. The modules can be on the easy side but the workload is often the difficulty when having a full time job.

This area is really poor for the software scheme in comparison to the other schemes within the company. we get very little if any opportunity to take part in extra-curricular activities such as conferences or organised trips. I've been told there used to be extra-curricular activities such as building robots etc but these seemed to have disappered after covid. The social activities have all had to be organised outside of work time.

Yes

despite some of the points mentioned, It is a beneficial scheme with a very competitive salary which allows you to gain experience in the work place as well as a degree all while getting paid. They are very supportive in regards to medical issues and needing time off. The flexible working patterns and being able to work from home in some settings is also a nice benefit.

Make sure you research the company in detail and highlight the key skills and responsbilties you've had in any work experience or extra-curricular activities.