Software Engineering Apprentice Review

I am currently in a role where I am a tester for an RPA based project; so on a daily basis I do test preparation execution and test exit reports. I am assigned projects that I take full ownership of. We work in a using the SCRUM methodology so I attend all relevant meeting associated with SCRUM. I work closely with developers in order to understand the purpose of the robot and all the possible 'paths' on the design. On top of this, I have also been allocated the project of an internal portal so I've been shown and exposed to application and web-based testing.

I had a non-technical background when I first joined Accenture so everything that I've learned here had been completely new. Having never even heard of software testing before starting, I have learned a lot since I joined this project in January. I'm comfortable enough that I can carry out the full end to end process almost completely independently. College has also covered a few lessons on testing which helped me understand the theory side of testing as well as the practical side. Accenture also provide us with training courses on agile which I am completing now to further my knowledge on an area that will improve my understanding of my work.

At first, I wasn't sure that this was the right career path for me and I didn't like my role or the location because there were only three Accenture resources a lack of support. After talking to the right people, I was able to be moved off that project and placed onto a much better one. I am satisfied with where I am now and feel like I am much more supported by the testing team and wider team. Learning the new things didn't seem as daunting and I'm much happier with the work as I have been properly shown how to carry out tasks and given enough work to challenge me but not stress me out by giving me too much responsibility and new content all at once.

The structure is as follows: I work 4 days a week (Monday - Thursday) and I attend college on a Friday. Every week is usually the same, unless their is school holidays meaning our tutor isn't available and we have to go to our job on a Friday too. My college tutor has a full structured plan for the whole term on a shared drive and gives us the lesson structure at the beginning of every lesson.

I feel like Accenture is quite supportive. My team lead is aware that I have college work that is important in order to complete my qualification. He makes sure that I'm not given too much work so that I can do my college work in my spare time and he's aware that I'm usually unable to be contacted on a Friday. The apprenticeship lead makes sure that our team leads are aware of the college commitments and is willing to help us achieve the correct work/ college balance.

Through my first year of my apprenticeship, I have two exams, a portfolio and an end of qualification assessment that all go towards the overall grade at the end. For this, we are given 6 days that we can take off to prepare where we see appropriate and we have to get permission from our line manager and apprentice lead. We are allowed allocated time to revise for our exam and prepare our portfolios in our lessons and we are expected to do 5 hours of work away from college. My tutor also comes into Accenture for 2 additional days as well as the normal college day to help with any questions and he's also available to contact via email at anytime. He's the best teacher I've had and really helps me feel more confident in myself and my work.

In my level 3 and level 4 qualifications, we cover modules that are relevant to all of the work and roles that are available within Accenture. We learn about all of the different roles within the software development life cycle, what the do and how they work together. For example, in college, we had a section of module 1 based solely on testing which helped me with my current testing role. It also helps you understand the roles of others on your team so you can have knowledge on what they do and how that relates to you and your role.

Since joining in August, I have made sure that I get involved in the TAG community. They provide free events which allows you to meet other employees in Accenture which helps with establishing your network and connections with your colleagues. I also have made sure to give back to Accenture by helping with outreach events to engage people in the apprenticeship scheme that we have on offer. I have attended different school and some career fairs as well in house open evenings.

Yes

There aren't many opportunities available similar to the one that Accenture has on offer. Not only do you get paid to work, you also get your degree fully paid for and the opportunity to have a graduate position at the end of it. University isn't for everyone (me included) so this is an amazing way to get a debt free degree. Having real-life experience in an ever-growing, relevant field at one of the leading companies sets you up for the rest of your life, I have learned more in the first 6 months of my apprenticeship than I ever learned in 6th form. And, everything that I'm learning about IT now, is relevant to my future roles. IT and technology is only ever expanding so even if I don't stay with Accenture, I am almost guaranteed a job in this field.

Relax - I spent so much time worrying that I wouldn't get the job due to my non-technological background but I was picked based on my personality, attitude and enthusiasm. Just go for it - even if you think you won't get the job, apply anyways, all feedback is good feedback and it'll help you know what skills you'll need if you want to apply again in the future. Appreciate the opportunity - if you always have a keen and eager to learn attitude, you'll get noticed. Take every piece of information in that you can, the better you perform at work the more benefits for you and your team. Not everyone that applied was lucky enough to get the job so make sure you make the most of it. Be passionate and enthusiastic - attend the networking events and get involved. An apprentice that asks questions and does extra training will go further than one that does the bare minimum, no matter who's more technical.