Software Engineer Review

I improve existing processes by modernising existing applications, making them more efficient and using newer programming languages and frameworks to ease future maintenance. I also ensure a high level of security and integrity since the data stored is both sensitive and classified.

I have been exposed to many different programming languages and approaches as I moved between placements in the company, expanding my awareness and skillset, helping me become more flexible and better at problem solving. I have been involved in several STEM activities where I was able to inspire the next generation to follow a similar career path.

I have really enjoyed the apprenticeship as I have been able to meet lots of new people and get involved in many opportunities outside of work, such as STEM ambassadors or career nights. Each placement is in a different part of the business so I have been able to work on lots of different software, including testing on the simulators.

The structure of the placements works well as you get 6-8 months in each one. Having uni 2 days a week works well since you are constantly refreshing the knowledge whilst applying it in the workplace. Sometimes the timetabling of uni has not been great, meaning that you have a lot of assignments being released and submitted around the same time, so good time management is key.

As an apprentice, you are assigned a skills coach who I found to be really helpful when completing the diploma. In each placement, you have a line manager who assigns the activities, however everyone in the team is happy to provide assistance when needed.

For me, the uni side was quite mixed. There were several teachers who were really knowledgeable and explained the topics well, providing a lot of support for the assignments and responding quickly, even on weekends and holidays. However, there were a few who didn't teach well, so many of the class struggled to grasp the new information, and some teachers also failed to support during assignments when asking for clarification and feedback on drafts before the final deadline.

I think that some aspects of uni are directly applicable to the work place, in particular database designs, algorithms and programming. Other parts not so much, such as security, although these do provide the foundations of knowledge to be aware of when developing safety critical systems.

There were several opportunities throughout the year, such as career nights at colleges, STEM ambassadors, being part of the apprentice council. For our programme, we also had an Outward Bound Week which was a mix of socialising with our year group across the different schemes, and developing professional behaviours and soft skills which we could apply in the workplace.

Yes

It is a great opportunity to get a degree qualification whilst also getting 4 years of work experience at an international company. It provides a career for life as there are many opportunities for progression and work abroad, as well as a solid foundation for a well rounded software engineer.

Take part in many extra-curricular activities to make yourself stand out from the crowd. Also, make sure to sell your best qualities on the applications, and be confident that no matter your background, there is lots of support to get you up to speed, both at uni, work training courses and the people around you.