Software Engineering Apprentice Review

My role is split between formal education from my training provider to fulfil the degree aspect of the qualification and practical work. Technology apprentices are given special leave to attend university for 2 days a week - we receive normal lessons, coursework etc. The rest of the week is dedicated towards real-life client work during normal working hours (9:30-5:30). We are involved in both developing and testing code and are given a variation of front-end and back-end work depending on the assigned pod.

As someone who came to this apprenticeship without a strong technical background, I have quickly developed strong coding skills in both back-end and front-end work. Although, at the start most of this is independent learning. Whilst the initial training provides a foundation, the client-work quickly helps apprentices adapt to common practices and practice their knowledge. I have also developed my professional skills such as networking - KPMG invests a lot of time into your personal development and provides opportunities to present your learning.

I definitely enjoy this apprenticeship - it has helped me grow in a way I never imagined. I advertise apprenticeships to everyone I know! While university alone does provide a technical foundation, this programme closes the gap between theory and application in the real workplace. Apprentices also reap many benefits, from personal development to a salary and confidence in the workplace.

The programme structure is fairly organised - 2 days at university and 3 days at work. This usually never crosses over. However, the programme could be more organised in terms of practical work at the start. Apprentices were provided shadowing and a multitude of online resources to pick up coding skills. However, I feel like apprentices could benefit from sessions explaining different projects from a non-technical standpoint and a 'stricter' way of testing our learning progress - maybe by assigning mini coding projects. This was mostly resolved once apprentices were designated into pods.

KPMG provides a lot of support for apprentices - if individuals are struggling with the training side of the programme they will assign older apprentices to provide guidance and help even though it arguably isn't their direct responsibility. KPMG is very flexible with how they assign client work, keeping in mind any deadline we may have for our training provider. In general, everybody on the team is willing to help with any technical problems with your device or any questions you may have with something you've recently learnt.

The training provider host regular lessons just like for any other normal university student. They also provide every resource you would expect to receive as a full-time student. Due to the pandemic, this has switched to a remote working module - this has resulted in a lot of technical issues with their portal however nonetheless they have assigned advisors to ensure you are meeting the technical requirements of the apprenticeship.

My qualification provides the foundational theory knowledge which I then use when working with client work. Coding is taught from the start for everyone regardless of skill. Even with prior backgrounds, every apprentice has refined the structure of their coding and introduced practices more commonly used in the workplace. I have also developed transferable skills such as business modelling, report writing and presentation skills.

There are a lot of social events organised within the team or with other apprentices not just in your designated programme or office. Obviously remote working has made this far more difficult but the management team have always gone out of their way to arrange firm wide sessions. There are also a lot of social networks apprentices can get involved in like any other employee such as BREATHE (LGBTQIA), IT's her future, Digital Ninja, etc.

Yes

KPMG have proven that they are a very open, supportive and inclusive community. I feel like this is the perfect place to introduce apprentices into the world of work - there is endless support, opportunities and growth! Apprentices are treated as normal employees from day one and are given a lot of time to grow at their own pace and get used to the business.

Always reflect about the impact of technology - it plays a role everywhere nowadays even in surprising but interesting ways. KPMG understands that the most important thing isn't having a strong technical background but the right attitude - always be ready to learn, network and ask questions to demonstrate your curiosity.