Junior Developer Review

On a day-to-day basis I work on maintaining and developing a Web Portal that our project uses internally to view data regarding the various components of our system, as well as to have a graphical display of automated tests that are being run. I also help with our Support Mailbox, answering queries and resolving issues promptly.

I have learnt how to programme in a variety of programming languages, some of which I had never had any experience with before such as Python. This has taught me how to effectively write code that can be maintained and reused. I have also been continually developing my communication skills as part of my support role.

I have really enjoyed my programme. The on-the-job aspects have allowed me to develop my skills much further than if I were to have visited University. This has meant I have been able to develop my soft skills and well as the role-based skills. The only issue I have had is with the training provider.

The programme is structured well in terms of the times you will be going on training courses and doing apprenticeship work versus the times you will be doing on-the-job work such as project work. As you go on further, however, the structure gets a bit lost due to lack of management on the training providers behalf.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. Whenever I have had an issue with the training provider, I have notified the relevant person and they have escalated this on their side to ensure I have a resolution. I have also been supported when personal issues arise which mean I cannot go into the office and have accepted this.

I have had varied support by my apprenticeship provider. At times, they could be helpful in telling me what is required to get to the next step. However, I have also faced a period of 3-4 months without a mentor, poor marking and lack of communication when it is needed.

Based on what the training provider has given me, I feel like the qualification I have gained from them does not add to much of a benefit to the role. their materials were out-of-date at times and did not apply for everyone. I feel like its the on-the-job experience that makes you perform better.

Yes, there is a Sports and Social Club that you can opt to pay into (and the company also pays into for each subscriber) that offers social events throughout the company, such as bowling, go-karting, badminton. There are also special events hosted around Christmas for members to go to for networking and socialising.

Yes

The apprenticeship programme is a good start to your career, giving you the real-world experience of on-the-job projects alongside your training to help develop your skills. The compensation benefits are great, and allow you to have a good financial kick start to your career, and are highly competitive with other companies.

I would say when applying and having an interview, research the company, what projects it has supported and any news around the company such as what technologies it would be going into. I would also say to not stress too much about the assessment day process, as it is a chilled out environment looking to see how you perform but not in a stress-inducing way.