Apprentice Software Developer Review

I am a software developer who works in broadcast services at Sky, writing software to display information in graphics on screen. I work mainly in a small development team with other developers and graphics producers to create items such as touch screen applications for presenters.

Whilst on my apprenticeship I have learnt many valuable skills, from technical skills and knowledge in software development such as object oriented programming, single page web applications to name a few and important business skills, for example hosting a meeting and working to a schedule. These are all valuable skills I can take forward with me in my career.

I greatly enjoy my programme at Sky. I work in a fast pace environment in an exciting field of work where I can always see the results of the effort I put in. My team support me in my work and have been a great help to me, both in integrating me into the business and working life as well as helping to develop my technical skills.

I feel greatly valued by Sky, with great internal rewards and recognition such as featuring on the internal staff website for work I have completed and activities I have been involved in. Sky is a great company to work for.

My programme is structured well with my employer. I am given achievable goals in the workplace which are designed to develop and test my technical skills and get me working on challenging and interesting projects. I always receive support from both my mentor and line manager who check up on my progress and offer me support if I need it.

My training provider, QA are often unorganized and difficult to contact which can make receiving support from them complicated and difficult at times. However when speaking to my assessor I am usually able to get the guidance I need to complete my training.

My employer is excellent for providing me with support in my job role. Whether it is my mentor, my line manager or any member of my team they are all willing to aid me in my work and provide advice when I need it.

I am able to comfortably commute to work whilst still living at home with my parents. Other apprentices who i work with have opted to move out and rent accommodation. The salary we receive as apprentices is great.

There are countless opportunities for activities outside of work. With a local sports club just around the corner and the onsite gym at sky, there are often sports clubs and activities to get involved in. As well as this other events such as conferences are regularly advertised and are encouraged by my managers.

Yes

Sky is an exciting place to work, who doesn't want to work in TV? The exciting nature of the work and great opportunity for personal development make Sky a very appealing workplace along with all the other benefits that come with working for Sky.

Make sure to research into the company and the field of work which you are applying for. I applied for software development and researched greatly into current technology trends and also studied computing at A-levels prior to applying for my apprenticeship.