Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship Review

The role involves spending one and a half days in college, and the rest of the week within the office. Within college, lectures are held all day. In the office you work on a series of different projects in six-month rotations, carrying out all sorts of tasks from software design, to software development and software testing.

I have learnt how to use many new tools which are used within the software engineering environment, and also about the importance of thoroughly testing software. I have also had the chance to increase my team working and communication skills, as the job requires working within a team on each project.

I find the programme very enjoyable; from the first day the company takes care of you and ensures you never have a day where you've got nothing to do. Periodically throughout the year there are various training programmes we are sent on to further develop our skillset, which normally involves meeting up with the other members of the intake from the other sites.

The teams you work in are often more than happy to give appreciation for all the hard work the apprentices put in, considering they also have to complete all their coursework too. There are various platforms in place to recognise the hard work that employees put in, from presentations during the team briefs, to the employee recognition scheme, which rewards hard-working staff with a gift voucher.

The course is organised well for the most part. Training courses are organised in plenty of time, though rotations are often sorted out very close to the six-month end period. The training provider for the course often sets assignments late and gives assignment feedback late, displaying a lack of organisation there.

The training provider doesn't carry out regular 1-to-1 tutorial sessions, which they advertised they would do, and the tutors don't tend to reply to emails without reminding. Some of the lecturers will readily teach you the content required to pass the assignments, while others will leave you to research the subject areas on your own.

The safeguarding officers are clearly pointed out at the start and are readily available to give support if necessary. All staff are also easily approachable and willing to give help with both internal work and university work. Sufficient training is given to ensure everyone knows what to do if they need additional support, or if they notice someone who may be in need of additional support.

The salary is a very good one compared to all other apprenticeships out there, which offer 4k-10k less. The salary is more than enough to live on and leave extra for any extra/social activities you want to do.

Throughout the year the other staff members arrange various social events, such as Christmas Parties and Skittles Tournaments, which the apprentices are more than welcome to join. The apprentices tend to also arrange social events between themselves. The local area has many different things to do within the local area, including many gyms, and bowling and a cinema.

Yes

The apprenticeship is a great way to earn while you learn (especially with the competitive salary), gaining the valuable on the job experience which most employers want nowadays. The company is a great one to work with as they have a variety of interesting projects and really look after their staff.

The application process consists of an application form and then a series of aptitude tests, which aren't really anything to worry about. They seem to be designed to look at how the candidate copes under pressure. If successful, the assessment centre consists of an interview, a presentation to a couple staff members, a group task and a repeat of the aptitude tests. Successful applicants are then offered a conditional place on the course, and prepared for the induction week.