IT Apprentice Review

I develop bespoke software for the RRMC Woodshop. Currently I am responsible for developing a production control system to suppliment SAP. This system tracks parts throughout the system, reporting back on their location and if they are late. It also provides useful infomation to the shop-floor employees, telling them where the part needs to go next, allowing them to record and defects and displaying and checks they may need to carry out.

My knowladge of programming has increased significantly. Before I started I could write basic web pages, logic systems and queries for databases. Now I have learnt how to create full interactive websites, create and query large databases consisting of multiple tables and create complex applications requiering tens of thousands of lines of code.

I enjoy my apprenticeship greatly. I have the oppertunity to work on interesting projects, take part in the managemnt and strategic descision making of said projects, see the projects working in the production enviroment and speak to the users of the system to gather feedback and seek their opinion on improvements.

I would say my programme is not particularly organised, however that is more because I am treated as part of the team, rather than just as the apprentice. I have spent the last two years dedicating most of my time to a single project, at first simply as the software developer, however now taking over some of the managment role.

As I said before, I am fully supported by my employer and am treated as a full member of the team.

Support from the training provider has been less good, I have had numerous problems with the provider throughout my 3 years there.

For a good time my qualifications weren't atall useful towards my role. A number of the modules were software development, however since I work as a software developer full time I was allready wroking at a level beyond what the course offered. The main parts that I have found useful are the Project, Business and Operations managment modules.

Yes

Personally I greatly enjoy my role within the business. They have been very supportive whenever I have had problems with my training provider. We recieve higher pay than any of the other apprentices at other businesses on my course.

Do it.