Software Engineering Apprentice Review

I am working on creating a Chatbot for the DWP client. On a day to day basis this involves creating conversations that the chatbot may encounter. In order to complete these conversations I have to create the expressions that the user may enter as well as input the dialog's for the responses that the chatbot may give.

I have been placed on training coursed for Java, Amazon Web Services and Angular 2. They have been a large contribution to the skills I have learnt throughout my time at Accenture. Whilst on a project and working within my team I have been able to ask for advice/help of my fellow team members which has also meant I have learnt a lot of the knowledge that they have been able to pass down.

The group of apprentices I started with were all really welcoming and we all aim to keep in touch now although on different projects in different locations. Everyone in the company is friendly whether you've spoken to them before and your level in the company doesn't effect this. There isn't anyone you can't reach out to if you are in need of support/guidance. As a company there are a lot of events to give you the opportunity to network with different people and personally I love the focus on Equality & Mental Health. Not all projects are the same and there may be some you don't entirely enjoy but there's always opportunities arising.

There isn't anyone that doesn't make you feel part of the company/team. From day one you are treat equally to everyone else and you are given the opportunity on more than one occasion to get yourself out there and meet everyone as well as showcase the skills you are entering Accenture with. The word 'Apprentice' does not get in the way of anything you aim to achieve and there is always a support network around you.

The 8 week initial training program is great and gives you a great insight into the company and what they have to offer you. On top of this it also gives you the opportunity to develop upon any skills you feel need to be worked on, this doesn't have to be technical it can be focused on the softer skills too. The support received of your peers and apprentice leads is huge and everyone wants the people surrounding them to succeed. The apprentice leads are always available if there is anything worrying you making a great support network.

The college tutor does everything he can to support you within your qualification. He makes weekly trips to the office if anyone would like a face to face chat but is always around to answer any email queries you may have. There is a bit of confusion around the college//uni start dates which can cause a lot of stress for some of the apprentices and exams aren't exactly very well organised - there is hassle getting them booked and apprentices have to wait a while before the exam is confirmed.

Although the apprentice leads are around to support you, this is normally only if you get in touch with them first. There are people in charge of apprentices that I haven't spoke to since starting. As for my team any work related support is available if you need it, no one is going to shut you down for asking questions. HR are always an email away and have never had an issue with gaining a response from them.

Due to still living at home I don't see my salary as an issue when it comes to living costs. The travel costs are expensive and will continue to increase once I pass my test leaving less money in the bank each month but it is enough to get you through as long as there is no spending spree involved. Things are more expensive these days and some things take more than one month to save up to purchasing and although travelling to client site which is further than the Accenture office there is no support for the additional costs incurred.

There is always some volunteering opportunities to attend although the majority of them are trying to get children into IT, I haven't yet come across anything that allows for you to voluntarily help a charity of your choice when you wish to. There is company social events but they are only available to the employees over 18. There isn't anything for anyone under.

Yes

The salary is enough to keep you going hoping that you don't have a lot of outgoings. The experience you gain whilst on the job is definitely better than some other apprenticeships and the degree received at the end is a highly recognized one.

Make sure to be confident, but not too overconfident. Don't be shy and afraid to talk to someone. If you have a questions or feel like you need clarification on something don't feel like you can't ask. Don't feel as if you have to make everything you say in the application process about IT, make yourself different - you stand out from the crowd in a good way then. On the assessment day don't shy away from joining in with the group - but don't go to the next extreme and take over. Work together. Always like your statements with a real life example and try to show initiative in certain tasks you give as examples.