Apprentice Software Engineer Review

by BBC

Rating

9.7/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I am a software engineer/programmer within IPTV and have worked on many different projects including TAP, the underlying technology of BBC's TV Apps like iPlayer and Sports, The Hive, an experimental automation testing system for TVs and Mobile Devices, Xbox One UWP, and most recently, HBBTV Applications for devices hitting the market in 2018. I am treated like every other developer and participate in team meetings, standups, and am assigned tickets in order to complete goals.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

My understanding of the web and TV space has increased massively since starting here and I have started looking into using ephemeral architecture, inspired partially by the AWS setup that powers apps like iPlayer, in my own personal applications and projects too. I have also gained a lot of experience with Javascript, a language I didn't really use before starting.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I think the BBC is a great employer who offer a lot to programmers, especially on the apprenticeship course I am on.

10/10

4. How valued do you feel by BBC?

I have garnered a lot of praise for work I have done on various projects and on behalf of the BBC (Such as attending the Skills Show in Birmingham on behalf of the BBC). I feel that they are very good at recognising contributions.

10/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

There is sometimes a bit of confusion around dates on the University side of things but it is almost always cleared up with ample time.

8/10

6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?

There are opportunities to get support but I have not really used them yet.

10/10

6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?

There are a lot of "catchup" meetings with various people instrumental in guiding and organising the apprentices where any concerns can be voiced.

10/10

7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?

I do not have very high living costs but I find I have a ton of expendable income, even given the overhead of travel since I live a few towns over from the BBC's location.

10/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

There are often socials, meetups etc. as well as more formal events like Developer Confernences etc.

10/10

9. Would you recommend BBC to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

For the reasons outlined above plus it is public sector work so you can feel you are contributing to something that benefits almost everyone you will meet day to day.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BBC?

Talk about projects you have done in the past.