Application Developer Review

My job title is an Application Developer, I am currently working on a front end development role on the HMRC account. I develop website screens and there components following strict specifications, I code using HTML, CSS, JavaScript/Typescript, GIT and angular framework. I am part of a scrum team so I have to engage in all ceremonies with my team, BAs and the client. I am continuously learning through paired programming, online training and self study. I have to complete all my assigned work to a high standard gaining approval before being merged into the master branch of the project, I have to meet tight deadlines and I have to understand the service I am developing for along with the overall projects goals.

Joining this apprenticeship scheme with next to no programming knowledge I have had a steep learning curve however I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge. I have learnt so much over the past 6 months both hard and soft skills. At the start of the apprenticeship we engaged in a 6 week boot camp where I learnt all the basics of various programming languages, project methodologies and cyber security. I have used online training tools such as pluralsight and codeacademy to expand my knowledge of programming languages. I have put myself forward to attend training courses and brown bags at work so that I can upskill in areas I am interested in. I have gained so much confidence in public speaking and presenting that I now enjoy leading sessions and ceremonies at work. I am working towards a Digital Solutions degree at college where I am able to complete assignments to a high standard and apply new knowledge I learn in my workplace. I have improved my professionalism and through working daily in a team I have better teamwork skills.

I enjoy coming to work each day and contributing to the success of my project, I enjoy learning through a hands on approach and I enjoy working as part of a team. My team are very friendly and helpful and are willing to help me out whenever I get stuck. I find I get more enjoyment out of my role when I have completed self study and investigation then I can go try out tasks independently before asking for help. Accenture as a company is very relaxed and motivating- there is more to the company than just completing my work duties. However I expected the degree to be more organised and interesting, the education side of the programme has been a let down.

During the first few months of my apprenticeship I was gaining recognition and appreciation for my progression and my hard work, this was from my manager and team members- this then got passed down to the apprentice leads. This made me feel valued and motivated me to work even harder. However since then I feel apprentices don't get recognised for the commitment and effort they are putting in. I feel as an apprentice we don't get as involved or included as other team members.

I feel my apprenticeship programme isn't well organised. The 6 week introduction boot camp we started with taught me a lot of valuable skills however it could have learnt so much more with better structure and a better learning environment. During our time on projects we haven't been provided with any mandatory training therefore it has been left to me to be resourceful and complete online training and ask my team lots of questions. We don't have any scheduled support and update meetings however there is a drop in session with one of the apprentice leads every few months to go if we have any concerns. I feel the apprentice leads should be more involved with us as apprentices, we should have regular progress meetings and a feel of support. I don't feel I have much support off my team or team leads unless I seek this out independently. Our college start date was delayed by 6 months and upon starting college the course is very unorganised and our class constantly has concerns with the method of teaching affecting our learning. When I joined my project team they were unaware of my arrival and I felt a burden on their work, they should have had plenty notice to accommodate us.

We have only been at college for two months however we have had a lot of concerns as a class about the support we are receiving, the organisation of the course and how the course is being taught. We have a college tutor and tutorials in which we express how we feel the course is going- however issues aren't resolved very quickly. When questions are asked in lessons we don't feel they are answered and explained fully. After missing lessons at college for a medical appointment I asked to be provided with that weeks course material, this was a very delayed response leaving me feeling I had was behind with the contents. I am hoping the support we receive in our education improves.

I don't have much contact with my manager, HR team or mentor, I would only every reach out to them if I had a big concern. I feel the apprentice leads should be more involved with us as apprentices, we should have regular progress meetings and a sense of support. I don't feel I have much support off my team or team leads unless I seek this out independently. If I had a problem I would set up a meeting with the apprentice leads as I feel I gain the most support and understanding off them.

I believe I get paid an appropriate amount for the responsibilities and work load I have. From my pay I am able to pay my bills, petrol and to enjoy my time outside of work. However, I don't have a big surplus of money and I would struggle to cope independently on this salary.

Accenture is very social and there is always something going on. We raise a lot of money for charities through various events such as family fun days and bake sales. There are opportunities to win sporting and music tickets. We get 3 charity days per year in which we can spend our working days contributing to great causes. There is plenty volunteering to sign up to, I have helped with the girls in stem event and outreach and engagement events with local schools. There are groups that work outside of hours to work on innovative projects to upskill themselves. I think it would be good if there were more team building activities and sporting groups as this would make everyone in the company closer.

Yes

Overall I think being an apprentice at Accenture is a great opportunity for anyone wanting a career in technology. There are many different paths to take and it is a great company to grow and learn. You make so many contacts with people with different knowledge and from different backgrounds. It requires continuous learning and it is a career for life.

*Make sure you are suited to working full time, it is challenging at first and you have to have the correct mind-set. You have to have good time management skills and you must be punctual and professional at all times. *Make sure you want a career in IT: the apprenticeship is very technical and requires hard work and dedication both at work and at college. *Be confident and be yourself during your assessment day/interviews. Be prepared and ask any questions you have. *Make sure you can work in a team: most roles at Accenture involve you working as part of a team, the team will be made up of people of different ages, from different backgrounds and various career levels, so you must be friendly and have good communication and collaboration skills.