Apprentice Developer Review

by Sage

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

My day to day work involves completing tasks, which any other developer would in my team, along with various training. I am normally assigned tasks to do, and I will then be supported by another developer in my team, where help is needed. This means I am not necessarily seen as an apprentice and more of a valued member of the team.

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Since joining Sage, I have been given a Pluralsight, and Lynda licence to help expand my learning. I have also had a 'training' backlog created for me, so I have a direction on what is best for me to learn. This normally involved newer technologies such as Angular, Javascript and many more

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I do enjoy coming to work as I don't have all the pressures as what a full-time employee might face. This means I am given the time to learn new things, before having to pick up my day-to-day tasks. The only downfall is that sometimes the training I am given isn't necessary for my job role.

7/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

At the start of my programme, there wasn't much structure, since there weren't many previous product delivery apprentices, this meant it was a slow start and a bit misunderstanding. However, since then, Sage has been taking in our feedback and have been improving the structure for new apprentices looking to join the business.

6/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Sage is really good for giving me support for upcoming work. I am able to have time before any courses to try and get some understanding of what I may need to learn so that I have some previous knowledge. I am also given various training licenses to help improve my knowledge.

9/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

I have monthly calls with my provider, to see how I am getting on with my apprenticeship, and whether I need any help for any upcoming assignments. I also get a brief run through on what the assignment will involve, so I am able to have some knowledge going into the course.

7/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

Some of the courses from my apprenticeship provider are good, however, most of them don't link to my job role. A lot of the courses seem out of date, which involved old technologies, which isn't appropriate for my team. Some of the courses aren't necessarily technical ones which isn't very useful to me.

4/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

We have Sage Foundation days, which allows a group of people to help local charities out, by completing various tasks such as painting, or practice interviews. We can also attend networking events, as long as we have acceptance of a manager, as it would have to come out of the office budget.

6/10

9a. Would you recommend Sage to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Overall Sage has been able to provide me the qualifications I have wanted, whilst being in a full-time team. This means I am gaining hands-on experience, and the qualifications to back it up, which looks great on a CV. Sage also offers many benefits such as laptop loans, and cycle to work schemes which are great incentives.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Sage?

I would recommend doing research into Sage, so you know exactly what we do, and what we are looking for. Also don't be shy to ask questions to the interviewer, as you will get a real engagement then. And finally, don't be nervous, Sage is a relaxed workplace.