Junior Software Engineer Review

Job title is Junior Software Engineer. On a daily basis I have been helping fix compiler warning messages by making minor tweaks to the code. Once this has been done I run multiple tests on my changes to make sure the code still functions correctly

I enjoy learning programming and it is very satisfying when I fix bugs and issues and have my code used in the finished product. I have also learnt to use linux which I had almost no knowledge of before.

It is a very pleasant working environment and everyone I have met so far has been very helpful and positive.

My team have been very supportive however, checking that I always have work to do, and allowing time for me to do QA coursework. Team manager has been very appreciative.

There has been some confusion over the training modules we are supposed to be receiving, with some courses being swapped for something else fairly late in the course.

My assessor at QA regularly does not reply to my, or other apprentices, emails. This means a long delay in getting my work looked at, stalling my progress.

Support from my employer has been good, our capability managers are always reachable if we have any issues and have been very helpful. Regular meetings with the team enable me to get a clear understanding of what is going on in the business and the team.

Although the salary is good for an apprenticeship, it still does not meet my living costs, as I commute back 100+ miles every weekend and rent locally during the week at great expense. The location, being commutable to London, attracts very high rents.

There are many out of work activities available. At lunchtimes there is a 'military fitness' routine. There is also 5-a-side football weekly after work. There is also the opportunity to do 'lunch and learn' to help increase knowledge.

Yes

The apprenticeship is a great way to get into software development which otherwise is near impossible to do without working experience or a degree

The application process is extremely long, and was asked for the same documentation and details over and over again. More clearer information about future salary and career progression should have been provided!