Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprentice Review

I program automations for the business. My role is to expand the technology that is currently used in the business and make processes more streamlined and efficient. I use a variety of programming languages to create a variety of different tasks which are automated, therefore saving the engineer much more valuable time that can be used elsewhere. On a day to day basis, I am involved in meetings where staff discuss any technological advances and where the business is going digitally.

I have learned and used 4 programming languages: python, VBA, C# and batch to automate repetitive tasks. My people skills and team working skills have also improves drastically since I started my apprenticeship at Tony Gee. I am now able to speak up in meetings when I have a valid point or a counter argument. I am part of the social commitee so I can now plan work events with my colleagues which are always a success.

i enjoy the mixture between working full time and studying because I can apply what I have learned at university to my day to day role. It is very difficult to balance the two but once you find a good rhythm between them both, it is quite easy to get everything done and meet deadlines. Both my boss and university push me to do well so it is a lot of pressure but I like that because I always strive to be better.

I have one day a week at university which is great because I can take a small break from work and go back to learning new things which i enjoy. I like the organisation of the programme because my boss gives me tasks which are direcly linked to what I am currently learning at university so I can really consolidate my knowledge there. It is very well structured so I am looking forward to year 2.

I receive huge amounts of support from my employer. I can't fault them at all. Everyone is amazing, from my boss to HR to admin to my co workers, everyone is always happy to help in any way shape or form. I moved down from Manchester so I was quite nervous at first but they all helped me get settled in very quickly. The support is excellent so I would recommend my employer to everyone.

Even though as apprentices you are not there full time, lecturers and tutors really help you a lot. I was struggling with a few topics in the module and the tutor went out of their way to help me because I had many deadlines coming up. They really do care about their students and push us all to do well. They always pick up the students who arent doing as well and make them pass.

The mixture between learning and working really helps consolidate the theory. My boss gives me tasks that link to what I am currently learning at uni which helps me perform better in exams as I get plenty of practise at work. Studying and working are two totally different things so experiencing them simultaneously is a very good skill to have. Gaining a degree as well as having 4 years of experience will make you stand out from the rest.

there are plenty of activities at work. I am part of the social commitee and we have a fund to spend per person per event so every month we organise something different for our office. For example bowling, drinks, comedy shows, paintballing, axe throwing, meals etc. We then have our christmas party which is also organised by us. there are plenty of opportunities to go out there and attend events and conferences and talk about STEM.

Yes

Tony Gee are an outstanding firm. They really do care about you and everyone is always happy to help. The hierachy from exec director right down to apprentices like me is not really noticeable. The door is always open so you can always go and talk to anyone. The social side is just as good as the professional side, we all get on and have banter in the office which is a good balance to have with your colleagues.

If you are motivated to do well and eager to learn new things then Tony Gee is for you. They like staff to want to do well and not just sit back. People are very proactive and if you have ideas, they expect you to act on them not keep quiet. Everyone is really friendly and very welcoming so you will feel like a part of the family from day one which is just what you need.