Software Engineering Apprentice Review

In my current role I work as a DevOps Engineer. In this capacity I use AWS to build, delete and edit environments for developers and testers to conduct their work. On my previous role I worked more in the project management side of things working with project to find suitable people to fill roles on the team.

In my first role both my verbal and written communications improved greatley through frequent communication with collegues. My presentation skills also have improved and I feel more confident presenting inforn of large groups of people. In my current role I am learning the fundanmentals of DevOps and how to effectivley use AWS, GitLab and Terraform to complete solutions.

The most enjoyable aspect of the programme is the concurent learning and working. I am able to apply skills I learn in college into my working day, and then also use skills I have learnt at work in my college studies. This gives a more practical understanging of the skills learnt and helps to cement my understanding of what I am learning.

The programme is very well organised in a way that gives us time to work on regular company projects as well as work on our college studies. We work four days a week on our work role which allows for us to be an integral part of our respective teams and then one day at college which allows for us to attend lecturers and gain understanding for the modules we are studying.

Our employer is very supportive in our apprenticeship. In addition to the release day to attend college, we are also given study days which we can take as a day off from work seperate from vacation, to allow us to work on our college work. This is particualry useful when working on large scale assignments which require more time to work on. The company also hosts several after hours activites such as code clubs which are very benneficial to gain an expanded knowledge of code and technical solutions to be used in our studies.

Our training providers at the college teach us every Friday in the modules we are studying and always spare some time at the lectuers to ask questions if needed. They also spare an extra hour after the learning day if people need their help on something they will stay back to assist. When taking our study days away from work, our training providers will also arrange some time to sit and help us if we come into the college that day as well as providing extra learning materials through Moodle and email as well as responding to queires over email.

I feel that the qualification helps me by teaching me about all aspects of the IT industry. We are predomintatly taught how to use technical skills and langauges such as Java, HTML and PHP development. We then are also taught the non technical aspects through Agile development and Business Management modules. The diversity of the course has helped me with my two different roles I have held at the company one being non technical and the other technical.

Accenture hosts an array of different extra caricular activities such as the afore mentioned code clubs, it also hosts social events one every quater to encourage networking and team building. Sports events are also organised such as football teams and charity football events as well as charity cross country events. We also host Brown Bags which are informal presentations held over lunch to inform collegues about projects and external activites. We also have quizes hosted in the on site cafe.

Yes

Accenture is a great place to work, everyone is friendly and willing to help. My main worry was being treat differently to other employees but that is not the case, as an apprentice you are treat just like any other team member and as an integral part of the team you work on. The Apprenticeship scheme is also a brilliant oppurtunity to learn and study for your degree whilst at the same time launching your career at one of the largest tech companies on the planet.

I think the most imporant advice is to be outgoing and inquisitive, always ask questions and show interest and passion for being part of the company. The most important skill to have is to be able to take part of team discussions to share ideas and find the best solution to any problem you are faced with. You should also be keen to learn and ensure you take every chance you get to learn something new you never know when it will help you in college or work or both.