Software Developer Review

My Job Title at Bright Future is Apprentice Software Developer. I have been given the option of whether I would prefer to do 100% commercial work in work hours and then complete my Assignment for level 4 outside of work, or if I want to do 70% commercial work in work hours and 30% assignments in work, both options have different pay scheme's. I opted to do 100% commercial work because it allows me to work alongside the commercial team working on projects for Cisco, BBC and other big companies. I chose to specialise in PHP and MySql, Bright Future look at every Apprentices options of what they want to do and try to make it reality.

Since joining Bright Future I have gained a level 3 BTEC in Software Development, I have also gained communication skills and confidence which has helped me to excel within the company. My programming skills are another thing that has improved since joining, Bright Future try and put one experienced programmer with every two or three apprentices, this means that the experienced programmer can help you whenever you need it and try and gradual set you harder and harder tasks until you can work by yourself on a day to day basis.

I really enjoy my day to day work at Bright Future, the commercial team are all experienced and offer a lot of help if it's needed. I feel that the amount of programming languages and model view controllers that I have had the opportunity to use is brilliant and way more than I expected.

Bright Future have created a company that gives Apprentices recognition when they do well and Apprentices as well as staff have the opportunity to change job roles and get promoted within the company.

The apprenticeship is ran well within the company, we have over 8 trainers and 6 assessors which make it a lot easier to complete work and hand in work as well. We have meetings with a mentor and also with a member of the recruitment team every month where they will go through our issues and they also give you the opportunity to talk about your future goals within the company which they write down and try and make them happen as you progress.

The training we are given is good, the trainers will take time out of their day to help you if you are unsure with anything. Bright Future have their own training company called MyFuturesBright, they work in the same office as the commercial team which means that you can go and ask for guidance on Assignments very easily.

During the first year of the apprenticeship at Bright Future, you start off doing 70% assignments and 30% commercial work, this allows you to gain the essential skills required to succeed within the industry as well as helping you to become a better employee for the company. As the apprenticeship progresses, the breakdown between assignments and commercial work changes, in the second year I have been given the option of either doing 100% commercial work and then get paid extra to do assignments outside of work, or I could chose to do 70% commercial work and 30% assignments.

Our apprenticeship wage is very competitive compared to other apprenticeships and is more than enough to cover essential day to day needs, such as travel costs, food etc.

Bright Future have company activities and events throughout the year, examples of these are the Christmas party and staff nights out in Manchester.

Yes

Software Development is a growing industry that offers exceptional wages once you are qualified. Bright Future offer you the training and commercial aspect at the same time which together make it easier to excel in the market.

Make sure you have a passion for ICT because it means that you will enjoy your apprenticeship a lot more, if you enjoy your job then you find it a lot easier to work on assignments or commercial work in your own time. Doing things like this help you to get noticed and thrive within the workplace.