Software Developer Apprentice Review

I am a software developer apprentice and in my day to day role, I see myself writing scripts to improve the efficiency of my team along with automating reports and making my own projects. I am learning python at the moment along with loads of theory around the topic of software development.

Whilst being here at colt since September 2017 I have learnt so much! I've learnt loads about databases, API's, computation, the business, telecommunications and much more. Most importantly, I have been learning programming theories and practices. Such as sorting algorithms and the ‘development lifecycle’. I have also been learning the programming language Python, which is what I write the majority of my scripts in. I plan to learn Java next.

I am really enjoying the program that I am on. Learning something new every day is a great way to keep the job fresh. There are so many sectors of the business to learn about, so you’ll never get bored. With the projects I am currently taking part in I have the choice what to work on when.

At Colt everyone is really friendly. They’ve really helped me to come out my shell and become more confident around anyone I meet. Lots of activities are organised for us to help us learn more things that are used every day in life at the company. The fact they bring in 3rd parties to teach us and how nice everybody is really gives us a sense of value at the company.

The program is organised into 80% work 20% learn. But I am almost certain I am learning pretty much all the time. Just IT, the training provider I am with have a self-teaching structure where they give us a few PowerPoints on certain subjects and then I go and research it further.

Once a month I have a review with someone over at just IT, where we review what I have learnt this month, fill in my ‘contact diary’ and ask any questions I may have about what it is I’ve done that month. We then make a plan of what I will learn for next month and set some targets in place.

My managers and co-workers are so supportive! If there is anything I do not understand they will take as much time necessary in order to make sure I get the grasp of the topic. They’re always open to questions and they never get frustrated. No matter how long it takes for me to finally get it.

As expensive as London is, the salary is good. Traveling in and out of London costs me about £150 a month and we get the extra 30% off due to the apprentice oyster card. The living cost in Shoreditch is quite high, a pint being around £4.50-5. Lunch tends to cost anything between £3-6 and we are located near some really good food.

Colt offers a tremendous amount of activities outside of ‘professional’ work stuff. There are opportunities to take part in a sponsored run, learn a new language over lunch and ever go on a charity bike ride in another country. Along with that there are loads of other networking events that help us to meet new people in the business over a few drinks.

Yes

I’d recommend the colt apprenticeship scheme because there is honestly so much to learn here. There are loads of really professional people doing different things. I have been here for 8 months now and I have learnt far more than I ever did in 8 months at school. Working and learning at the same time really helps to reinforce the theory.

You should definitely apply for Colt, hopefully they’ll get back to you with an interview. At the interview just be yourself, that’s what I did and I’m really happy here learning something new every day, contributing to my teams goals and feeling like a valued and important member of the company.