DTS - Software with Data Review

I am on the Software with Data pathway so my day-to-day role involves creating software solutions or analysing data to support my team. I am based in Manufacturing, so there isn't a lot of support in terms of technology for me, as most people in my team do not have experience with software or data analysis. This makes my day job difficult at times, and I have to spend a lot of time learning myself. However, being in Manufacturing does have its advantages, as I have a good understanding of how our vehicles are manufactured, and my team are genuinely nice people.

I have learnt how to code in Python and learnt about databases (including PostgreSQL and SQL). However, these were learnt as part of the university course and not actually what I have learnt on the job. Being in Manufacturing has its disadvantages as I am not exposed to as much technology as my peers. I have learnt how to use and create Sharepoint sites as well as how to use Microsoft Powerapps. I have also gained soft skills, such as presentation skills, communication and how to work in a team.

There are parts of the programme I really enjoy but also times when I really do not. I really enjoy the University side of the programme, especially when we were able to go onto campus. I enjoy my role when I am able to make good progress on projects. However, sometimes I get really stressed and really do not enjoy it at all. Being in Manufacturing stresses me out sometimes as I do not feel like I am getting the support I need with my work. Balancing this alongside Uni coursework is overwhelming too at times. Overall, I would say I am enjoying the programme, as I am getting paid and have a good working routine, but there are some times when it has felt really overwhelming and I wish I could have a long break.

The Uni side of the course is very well structured. The modules are spread out well, so we are at Uni for 2 whole weeks each term (30 credits per term). However, the work side of the programme is very poorly organised. We were allocated into teams randomly, with no choice in where we can go. Because of this, I have ended up in a department that I wouldn't have chosen. My team do not work with any of the technologies that I am learning at Uni, and I do not get any support at work. My team are nice, but there is not much structure to my learning at work.

This depends on what kind of support. If it is in terms of general support, I would say that I do get good support from my team. There are also employee networks within the business that I have been involved in who can provide a wide range of support. I was also quite ill last year and received good support from my line manager. However, there is not a lot of support in terms of my learning. I am left to learn the new technologies myself, as no one in my team has experience of it. I do feel that if I was in a different team who work with software, I would have the support I need to learn, but the company do not allow moves to different departments, which is a great shame as I feel that I would be better suited in a different team.

The support from University is very good. The lecturers are very responsive to emails and always provide support sessions after lecture weeks are over and before assignment deadlines and exams. The online resources provided by the Uni are also of high quality and exceeded my expectations. We are assigned a personal tutor, who we meet with 2-3 times per term. This is very well organised in my opinion as my personal tutor can stay up to date on my progress and I can raise any issues that I have.

I do not use any of the technologies I have learnt at University as part of my role often. I was able to use the databases technologies that I learnt as part of a work-based assignment for that module. However, as part of my day-to-day role, I don't actually use any of the tools or technologies I have learnt at Uni. However, I am hoping this will change in years 3 and 4 of the course, as we start to specialise in our course.

There are employee networks, including 'Women in Engineering' and 'REACH - Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage' networks. I am a member of some networks, and found these networks as the best way to meet other employees. These networks run workshops and 'lunch and learns' which I have found to be very useful for networking, learning and taking my mind off stress. I have heard of some sports teams within the business, but I have not personally joined any.

Yes

Despite some of the issues that I have had with my programme, I would still recommend it to a friend, purely on the basis that I believe an apprenticeship with issues is still much better than going to University full time. The ability to earn money whilst gaining professional work experience is something that I would definitely recommend, even if there may be some issues with the work side of the course.

Bear in mind that you might be placed in a random team that you might not have any interest in, and be prepared to not actually apply your degree knowledge to your day-to-day job. Make sure that you have an interest in the Uni course itself, because it is not easy and you will be spending a lot of time on it.