Software Developer New Associate Review

Work as a technical Architect, mainly involved in development tasks, and some infrastructure tasks. Projects change and differe and so sometimes I will be coding in java, other projects require me to test different server set ups using virtual machines

Yes, most technical skills I have today were all learned through the apprenticeship. They all come from on the job working, where I have learnt numerous programming languages, soft skills and DevOps skills. I have found that going to uni has not been helpful and has not taught me anything I didn't learn from work.

I thoroughly enjoy most of the work I do, provided I have enough work on (some periods where there is a lack of work to do can be boring). I like the team I am with, they are helpful with any problems I have. The company has a nice attitude, with good focus on social events.

I am given important tasks, and my input is valued in discussions on how to approach problems, so I feel like a very valued member of the team. There are internal recognition programs, including Performance Points, where people can nominate you and you gain financial benefits from this.

The university part of the course is not very well structured. Sunderland University is a terrible institution, there organisation for first year was terrible though it has been improved for this year. The start of the programme was good, with an 8 week training course, and then I was put ina team pretty fast, and then the team has been fairly well organised since I have been there

Sunderland University are there to support you, but they will not fail anyone, so no one needs support anyway. But if you have a problem you can approach any staff there and ask for help, they will give it. I have not enjoyed my uni time though as I feel putting in hard work, doesn't matter when they pass everyone anyway, even when no effort is given on other people;s behalf, this makes my degree feel undervalued.

If I have a problem there are a number of people I can go to, and they say if you are not enjoying your role or anything you can approach them to get things changed. I have not yet approached anyone about this as I have not had any problems, so I am unaware of how good the support is once requested

The salary is well above the apprentice minimum and has went up 2 times since i joined. I think it s a fair pay packet and keeps me well funded. It more than covers travel and daily costs, though doesn't leave much room for renting costs

There are lots of chances to get involved outside of work with different social events happening fairly regularly. You also get 3 volunteer days a year to use to go out and help a charity. There are different sport events, like a touch rugby summer league and 5 a side football that you can get involved with.

Yes

Good people to work with, really well paid for the position, you end up with a degree and more importantly at least 3 years of industry experience

After application there is a video interview that uses an app where you record yourself, then a face to face interview. Accenture are just interested in people who are hard workers, work well in a team and have an interest in technology (though you don't need any technical experience)