Software Engineer Review

Office roles have involved a variety of software and non-software positions across multiple teams. Tasks vary from doing regular maintenance and development activities with teams alongside being given some semi-independent projects spread over multiple months.

Large variety of skills have been covered and learnt, networking and being proactive looking for valuable placements that you would enjoy is key to getting the most skills as there is no clear structure at times.

Education under Cranfield had been a more mixed experience but work at the company has been enjoyable with a relaxed, flexible working environment and a good social setting.

Structure has been lacking at times from the company, this is partially attributed to rotating apprentice management staff. As the first year of students at Cranfield, many parts of the education have been poorly planned and reworked on short notice along with information coming later than desired.

All line managers and apprentice managers have been extremely helpful and flexible to provide any help required and a good environment to learn and grow.

Whilst the organisation has been poor, the overall support from Cranfield has been good as long as the information is available.

There were some modules which were useful with good teaching and direct applications. The majority however have been too shallow to really gain anything beyond a surface level view of a topic or have been at too low of a level/too late into the process to be useful.

My site has multiple social activities ranging from lunchtime sports, board games, regular team & workplace drinks as well as a social society which organises theatre trips and such. Other larger sites have a similar variety of activities to my knowledge.

Yes

Strong way to get a leg into a software or similar role whilst earning a very competitive salary for the required qualifications. Provided in a positive environment encouraging growth where a ton of experience can be gained if you're motivated.

Do your research into the company and approach things with a plan for what you want to get out of an apprenticeship and where you see yourself by the end of it. Make the effort to be proactive and sociable to get the best set up by the time you complete the scheme.