Software Engineer Review

I have just joined the DWP account as an Automation/RPA engineer. This involves developing new robotic solutions using software such as UIPath and NICE Automation Tool. My role includes working in a team which involved daily/weekly stand-up meetings to discuss progress. As I have only been assigned to this project for a week, I can't give a more detailed description. Before starting this project I was assigned to HMRC for just under two months. This was also acting as an RPA/Automation developer. Overall I feel as though I was left with too much responsibility, having to complete the majority of work myself with little assistance, even after stressing my inexperience to my team lead. Overall though this was enjoyable as it provided a challenging, 'sink or swim' environment where I was forced to take action myself and learn new skills. Prior to this, I shadowed work with different clients at the 'Cloud First' department, while also completing various training exercises here. For the rest of my time at the company (several months since completing the induction training) I have remained unassigned (a.k.a. 'on the bench' - where you are not on a project), where you are left to up-skill yourself by completing online training. In my personal opinion, this is only beneficial to an extent, over a short period of time, whereas doing it consistently for months becomes tedious and ineffective. When unassigned I also attended a number of courses hosted by external vendors: some of which were beneficial and informative (e.g. a Splunk2 data handling course), whereas others (e.g. Java SE8 Dev. course) were far too advanced for someone with my level of experience.

I have completed a number of external courses (online, in-house and external), some of which have been beneficial (particularly RPA-based ones, related to my role), some of which have not (ones which are aimed at people with more experience than I have - e.g. Angular and Java dev. courses). With the majority of the courses it seems like I have been put on them to give me something to do, whether that be relevant or not. It would be more beneficial to allow people to choose which courses they go on (unless it is mandatory training).

The short period of time that I was assigned to a role on HMRC, although stressful at times (with a lack of help), was enjoyable overall as it allowed me to take charge of the work being done and deal with the problems as I saw fit. I also enjoyed being at the 'Cloud First' capability as each day was different, getting to meet new people and see different types of work completed for each client. Being unassigned for months however, was tedious and boring. Aside from these experiences, the office is a nice, modern environment to work in, with the majority of staff being friendly and pleasant to work with.

After requesting numerous amounts of times I am yet to receive feedback from my line manager on HMRC (this would be the only time my work could be reviewed), however a colleague who helped me to up-skill showed great appreciation and also gave me areas I need to focus on in future (areas of the technology where I could develop my knowledge further). When unassigned, due to the sheer number of people in the same situation, you are overlooked the majority of the time and not completing any meaningful work makes you feel worthless, in terms of what you are contributing to the company. Having a career counsellor who you can speak to is beneficial as they can point you in the right direction.

Not very well, as mentioned previously, myself and other apprentices have been left 'unassigned' and struggled to find ourselves roles: personally I think apprentices should have a set role assigned, with freedom to move between different types of roles. This was they are guaranteed to be learning something and gaining experience (rather than sat unassigned and completing so much online training that it becomes worthless).

Our apprentice group only started university in February due to delays with our contracts: this meaning I can't give a detailed response. Some seem accessible and enter lecturing with a positive attitude, whereas others seem to lack interest and are rather unorganized (for example, one lecturer set presentations for us to complete, however did not seem to pay attention when we were delivering them, being sat reading something on his laptop instead - this from what myself and several others perceived).

The main support I have received has been through my career counsellor: they have been very helpful and informative about the company as a whole and what to do when applying for roles. Support on my only project to date, HMRC, was very minimal, being left to do the majority of the work alone and only being able to contact people for help via email (rather than having someone more experienced sat with me and providing help).

The salary is good and benefits such as gym subsidy and private healthcare are good bonuses. All business expenses related to travel, food, etc. are covered.

Team nights out, volunteering events and other activities/clubs.

No

So far from my experience there has been a lack of structure/organisation with the majority of my time here involving no actual work/experience being gained.

Ensure you have a well-rounded variety of personal skills and traits outside of education. Make sure you speak up during the team exercises in the interview stage.