Rating

8.8/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • My day to day role is as a Application Developer working on developing and implementing improvements to the PebblePad platform. I work within a small team of other apprentices, and we are responsible for managing our work, corresponding with other internal colleagues in order to achieve weekly goals. As a application developer, the role is heavily based around writing and reading code in order to implement new features to the PebblePad product, fix reported bugs, research future improvements, and provide peer review for other colleagues.

    9/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • As of writing this review I have reached the midpoint of my apprenticeship and have had the many opportunities to develop and grown both existing and new skills. During the first 6 months, PebblePad carried out internal training to ensure I was up to speed with key skills, such as knowledge of programming languages including C#, HTML, and JavaScript, aswell as teaching key concepts such as automated testing, databases and an introduction to the Agile project management framework. Alongside formal internal training, there is freeform development and training provided through having a set amount of time each day to work on personal development projects, or to learn specific topics we have an interest in.

    9/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • Working at PebblePad is very enjoyable, largely thanks to the positive environment embraced by all employees who work there. Being within a team of apprentices allows myself and the other apprentices to grow and learn together, which helps remove the fear of failing - as we are all in the same situation with the same level of experience.

    9/10

  • 4. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • The programme has a good structure, with introductionry training given in the first 6 months to get you up to speed on any prerequisite knowledge for working on the PebblePad product as a application developer. You have regular one-to-one meetings with the apprentice supervisor to check how you are progressing during your apprenticeship, and allows you to raise and concerns or express areas of interest that you might wish to explore during any personal development time.

    9/10

  • 5. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • The apprenticeship has been very supportive with time being dedicated to personal development, allowances made for changing of our work timetable to incorperate any events or opportunities provided through the university. If we are having problems with the work or apprenticeship programme, our concerns are discussed and any appropriate actions are taken or guidance given.

    9/10

  • 6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
  • The training provider offers training once per week, and we are able to email both our lecturers or the apprenticeship course lead with any issues we are having and they are responsive to this feedback. The training offered by the provider is enjoyable, and is flexible depending on the learner, with most of the assignments being able to be

    8/10

  • 7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
  • The internal training at PebblePad really excels, and ensures you will have no problem working through the initial units at university. The units chosen help to provide some fundemental understanding of the theory behind software development, and compliment the practical side we encounter everyday. The assignments are often a great opportunity to explore and research a new area of theory or technologies that I might be able to carry over into my work.

    8/10

  • 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.)
  • As an apprenticeship team, we sometimes attend events together such as Hackathons, Workshops or Conventions. Which is a great opportunity to learn new things alongside the other apprentices. There are also other outside-of-work social events held such as a weekly football team. The company also holds several company-wide events each year, which is a chance to bring the teams together and meet other people in the company.

    9/10

  • 9a. Would you recommend PebblePad to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • PebblePad have provided a massive amount of experience so far, with the initial internal training program providing a massive amount of content and learning opportunities - rivalling that of University lead modules. The company is supportive, and allows for growth into a strong career going forward from the apprenticeship by providing the opportunities and training needed to succeed as an Application Developer.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to PebblePad?
  • The onboarding experience is very thoughtout and ensures that the inital six months arent overwhelming - but provide an enjoyable level of challenge. My experience so far has been very positive, PebblePad have taken someone will relatively little programming experience outside of college courses, into someone capable of working as a full-time application developer. Anyone with a passion for web technologies and software development should definitely consider applying.


Details

Degree Apprenticeship

Information Technology

Telford

February 2020


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