Software Developer Review

As a junior developer, my day to day role consisted of helping my team build new applications, and maintaining existing applications. I would be assigned a task to work on, however, if I needed assistance, I would be able to pair with an experienced developer to complete the task. I was exposed to new and upcoming technologies.

I mainly started with knowing JavaScript, however with the support and teaching from my peers I have been able to learn C#, SQL and AWS. I was guided and supported with hands-on experience to help me become a full stack developer. I personally now feel more confident with the technologies I use. I was always given the opportunity for public speaking, which has helped my communication skills .

I really enjoyed the overall experience provided by AO, fully supporting my learning. Providing me with personal mentors and a life coach to assist with any issues or questions I had. With the ability to work and learn at my own pace. The experience exceeded my expectations for what apprenticeship should be. The company has a great culture and work environment.

My team was well organised, with great effort to include me with all aspects of the business. The support from my team has been brilliant, I was never too shy to ask a question and felt my opinion was valued, even with having little experience. I would have daily catch up with the team, and monthly catch-ups with my mentors. I always felt I was being guided in the right direction and was in control of my learning. I was given time to study for exams and any new skills I wanted to learn. The biggest highlight for me was being given the opportunity to travel to London NDC and to get hands-on experience from the workshops. As part of my 5 personal learning days.

I was given all the support I needed, any issues were resolved quickly and honestly. I was provided with two mentors, who I could speak to about any technical issues. I was also given a life coach, to help me settle into the business, who I would have weekly catches up with to talk about any issues or concerns I had. My team was always available to assist if I got stuck with a task and I could speak with my manager whenever needed.

Overall Code Nation as a training provider was okay and easy to deal with. With monthly catch up on progress. The on-site teaching only covered the basic and wasn't really similar to real development. They only taught JavaScript and CSS, the rest was all leant in my own time. At times the teachers were overwhelmed due to the number of students, so getting assistance with solving a coding problem was difficult.

It provided me with the fundamentals to be able to transition into a real role. Although some of the teaching was outdated for the role, it still provided me with the skills to be able to problem solve quickly when working in a real development environment. I now understand the requirements and task better.

I was invited to join many different clubs at work, from football to mental health. Some of the highlights of the events I was involved in, guide dog training day, which was a hands-on experience with guide dogs. NDC London workshop, with travel, accommodation and food being funded by work. Team building days, where we would go do activities, anything from junkyard golf, breakout to crystal maze and we would dine as a team. Charity days, where you would be able to help out any charity of your choice. Christmas party, over 1000+ employees being invited to party together, with an open bar and food being provided.

Yes

A company that is inclusive of all, where your opinion is valued and you are supported inside and outside of work. There's a great sense of pride, working for AO, due to the work culture and environment. Also has great perks for everyone, with on-site facilities from a spa and gym to a Starbucks. Great free snacks and drinks too. The best part is the company's investment in you as an employee, driving personal growth and progression of learning new skills.

Just be honest and have a positive attitude to learning. There's something for everyone and If you take pride in your work, then the company will invest in you. The interview for developers isn't about getting 100% score but more about finding a solution by talking through the process and communicating with the interviewer. The test isn't there to catch you out but to show that you can communicate and listen.