Degree Apprentice Software Engineer Review

As part of an Application Support team I respond to client issued tickets/problems and investigate to find an eventual solution. The kind of issues encountered vary between clients, but I typically work with SQL extracts, and Oracle products. My role is heavily based on problem solving and investigation - the application we support has already been built so we are largely fixing defects with existing code and configuration. There is often scope for new features and changes, however.

Yes - my problem solving skills and understanding of IT systems at a higher level have increased tenfold. I think working as part of a business has the biggest impact on these skills i.e. working with a real client on live issues allows you to gain real experience of a working environment and deal with problems first hand. My development skills and technical understanding continue to improve every day, and I am always learning new things.

The degree program content is interesting, engaging, and challenging without being overwhelming. The balance between work and study can be difficult to get right, but development of time management skills are particularly beneficial. I like that I am developing my theoretical knowledge via my degree, but still get to experience working life and apply my skills in that environment. There's a good apprentice community and everyone supports each other.

The structure of the degree is clear cut and well structured. We're given a clear layout of the degree from day one, and you learn about the different paths you can take early on. There are options to take a Business Analyst route or a Software Engineer route, which caters to a good range of skills and interests. Module content is delivered in an organised manner and I never feel like I don't understand what's expected of me at any point.

A good amount. Management and the apprenticeship programme team are attentive and willing to listen should there be any issues. Our studies are accommodated with things like study days which are very helpful in the run up to exams. It's made clear that your work in the office is the priority, but they understand the importance of our studies, too.

I am only in the second year of my degree and I haven't really had to reach out for support much at all as of yet. However, it's always made clear that tutors and module leaders are available should we need any support. Module tutors always make themselves available for office hours should we need to discuss any of the material and the on campus days provide a good point of contact.

So far I haven't seen strong links between the my day to day role and my studies - however I expect this to change as I progress further into my degree. There is some crossover with concepts such as software design and recently I have been working on an Internet Applications module which has helped in my job role when supporting web services. I think on a high level it helps me understand technical concepts but doesn't necessarily translate to the specific context I see in my job role.

Yes - particularly within the apprentice community. This does tend to vary between locations though. It seems as though a lot of centrally organised activities take place in bigger offices such as Telford, whereas in other locations events tend to be smaller and locally organised. There are generally quite a few options.

Yes

As one of the first companies to offer a degree apprenticeship, it's an incredible option for someone that doesn't feel university is right for them, but still think they would benefit from a degree. I like that I can go into work every day but still feel as though I'm progressing on structured programme towards an end goal that will benefit my career in the long term. The apprentice and graduate community is vast so there is plenty of support and solidarity with people having the same experiences.

Try and best understand the details of the role you are applying for, and how this differs depending on the office location you end up going for. The umbrella of 'Software Engineer' is quite all encompassing so it's a good idea to do plenty of research and understand as much as you can about Capgemini and the business unit structure - knowing a bit about the company will go down well in an interview!