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 based in Telford. As part of this role, I have worked with several different bespoke programming languages reminiscent of Java and SQL. Daily, I work in development which consists primarily of coding changes at the request of our client and writing the test scripts for these. I also do some testing work when needed/when I want to diversify my role.

    9/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • The bulk of any knowledge needed for the role is learnt on the initial training on Aston Campus (ALE). This lasts for 9 weeks, and covers languages such as Java, SQL, Python and Ruby, as well as some basic HTML. As I had only learnt Python prior to this, there was a lot to learn. Knowing another language prior to this is beneficial, but not essential as many on the course hadn't coded at all. Past ALE, I developed and learnt many of my new skills while in my role in the business, primarily developing my interpersonal skills through learning how to develop code within a team. This helps transform the skills learnt on ALE into being practical for the business.

    10/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • Currently, I am really enjoying my programme. On campus days are difficult, but rewarding. ALE in particular was more difficult than expected, but living with the other apprentices on campus counterbalanced this as we all supported each other. The actual work within Capgemini is challenging and fun, with there being a large variety of roles and jobs to keep you occupied and prevent days feeling repetitive or boring.

    10/10

  • 4. How valued do you feel by Capgemini?
  • Apprentices are all truly valued by Capgemini. Treated just like any other employee, workload very similar and trusted with tasks like any other team member, never belittled. The only difference is that there are added support networks for Apprentices (GAP network) and team members are more understanding if you struggle with work, often encouraging questions.

    10/10

  • 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • As the programme has been running for several years now, the degree apprenticeship is very well structured. There is an initial induction week within the business where all the new apprentices can network and form relationships prior to ALE. This week consists of mainly introductions to the GAP team and some basic training on interpersonal skills, as well as an out of bounds day in the middle of the week. ALE starts in the second week, which is also well organized. The lecturers are very good at teaching the course and are used to the format (lectures in the morning, demo in the afternoon and a daily lab to be completed for the next day). After ALE, you start work in your business unit. Additional on campus days (usually 1-3 days) occur every 3-5 months, after which weekly online lectures then begin (three a week with tutorials). After the first year, you can choose a business or software engineer route which both come with different modules.

    10/10

  • 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
  • The lecturers during ALE are extremely supportive, more so than typical university lecturers. They understand that people are at different proficiency levels when they begin the course, and are willing to spend a lot of one on one time with anyone struggling/asks for help. Additionally to the help in person, they also allow you to email them any questions, with them usually quick at replying. The lecturers past ALE are also very helpful, but as class sizes increase after ALE there is less one on one time.

    10/10

  • 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • As an apprentice, I receive a lot of help from many different areas of the business. The GAP team, especially the programme manager, are extremely helpful with any questions about the university aspects of the apprenticeship and are usually quick at responding. For support with work though, my manager, scrum master, and other team members are all available to give me help and answer any questions, all extremely welcoming and supportive.

    10/10

  • 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
  • The salary is more than enough to cover all my costs. I rent a room in a house-share in Telford and eat out most days, as well as save into a LISA. Despite all of this, I still have plenty to spend each month, with the pay being significantly higher than usual for someone my age.

    10/10

  • 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
  • During the initial induction week, there are a lot of events put on during the evening. These include movie nights, bowling, and pub quizzes. From outside of induction week, the opportunities are there if you seek them. There are a lot of events in the GAP community, especially during National Apprenticeship week. Most of these opportunities are linked to volunteer work for the company or for the charity Prince's Trust.

    8/10

  • 9. Would you recommend Capgemini to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • Thoroughly enjoying the apprenticeship and the course. If you're interested in doing anything IT related, then I feel this is the optimal path. There is no debt unlike the usual degree path, and you get the added bonus of over 4 years paid experience in the industry, guaranteeing you a role even after the course.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Capgemini?
  • Be yourself, if your values line up with the company's then they will recognise that during the application process. Give cohesive, accurate answers during your interviews, and make sure to speak up during group tasks if you're invited to an assessment centre. Also, be patient. The application process is long, but is worth it.


Details

Degree Apprenticeship

Information Technology

West Midlands

April 2018


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