Software Developer Apprentice Review

As a Software Developer Apprentice in the Data Office, I've done surprisingly little coding so far. I've been getting to know Experian's systems and how programs work together. It is very complex and involves a lot of confidential information. Most of my days are spent testing minor code fixes; figuring out how things work (usually by asking my mentor or consulting documentation); and submitting access requests and change approvals. I've written about 50 lines of code in my first 8 months. I also go to uni one day each week.

I have learned the programming languages COBOL and JCL and I've learned about mainframe development and testing.

I find it rather dull and am disappointed that I haven't been able to code more so far. I hope this will change in the future. However, the people I work with are lovely. Also, in university, we have learned the basics of code quality and networking, which has been good. I wired a LAN from scratch. The extra bloat of study and professional skills (full of presentations and report writing) is annoying. There aren't end of year exams - just coursework/reports/presentations to complete each module.

The university modules are very well structured with rather clearly defined schedules and timetables and deadlines.

My employer has been nothing but supportive. They seem to truly care and really be trying their best to help me achieve my fullest potential. I have a mentor and a buddy and I have weekly 1-2-1s with my manager and even monthly 1-2-1s with their manager. There is also the Early Careers team, which keeps my manager and the university in check and helps me develop both my personal and professional skills. They also organise a lot of networking events.

The university also has quite a few support venues and the course leader puts in regular drop-in sessions over Teams for us to state our concerns, discuss any issues, and ask for help.

So far, I think that the university work has been largely irrelevant to my role.

There are networks and Employee Resource Groups at Experian, so you can connect with people who share your hobbies or identities (e.g. support groups for women and black people, board game club, sports clubs). There are also many networking events and social activities provided by Early Careers.

Yes

The people and the support and the company culture. The benefits and pay are also nice. It is a high-performing company, so it's great for people with big ambitions. There is also the community action: all employees are allowed 3 days during the year during which they can volunteer to help the wider community (e.g. food banks, RSPCA, cleaning).

This is a hybrid working company. Know that you can always move around if you don't like your current role. People here want you to succeed and you will most likely get the support you need to become your best personal and professional self.