Degree Apprentice Software Engineer Review

by Thales

Rating

9.2/10

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

For the past two years I've worked and trained on a DevOps team within the business. An average day consists of me working with one or more of our development teams or some form of network management.

10/10

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

Since starting my apprenticeship I've definitely developed greatly technically but also my soft skills have took leaps and bounds. Everything from the way I communicate to different people at different levels (for example engineer or hr manager), to how I self-organise my workload.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

Without a doubt deciding to go with this programme over the bog-standard university route was the best decision I've made in my life so far.

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The programme I'm on is very structured and organised in my opinion but like anything else in the world it's still growing and changing constantly so it can continue to develop itself and become the best apprentice scheme in the world.

8/10

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

In every aspect of the apprenticeship I get a lot of support from my employer. I only need to speak to my manager about anything that's bothering me or I need help with or I want to do etc. To get a resolution or opportunity brought to me.

10/10

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

Manchester Met definitely provides its students with a vast array of extra support options and additional training/help.

10/10

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

Generally I believe the training that I'm provided with does improve my overall performance in the role I'm currently in but I still think there are gaps within the program for people who are in niche roles that some of the training doesn't apply to.

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.)

At my organisation there are plenty of opportunities to get involved with STEM events. All of the apprentices, including myself are signed up at STEM Ambassadors so that we can assist with any STEM if and when we want to.

8/10

9a. Would you recommend Thales to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

In my eyes there's nothing you can't do at Thales, since they hold such a dominant place in all the different markets (Space, Aerospace, Defence, Transportation and Security) they work in you can always find somewhere to grow and something exciting to get involved in.

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

If you're applying to Thales then you're going to need a genuine curiosity in Engineering since that's really the main trait they want applicants to have.