Assistant Application Developer Review

I primarily develop the front-end of web applications via HTML, CSS, various JavaScript frameworks etc., but also have full-stack experience given the expectation for understanding of cloud service providers. Applying this alongside agile methology, I'm expected to approach a customer's needs from a business standpoint, and deliver that with an efficient and effective technical understanding.

I already had an intermediate understanding of front-end development, although my JavaScript skills made strides in progress since starting. I was completely new to back-end development at the start of the job, and I am now able to properly deploy and maintain an application on the cloud - incredibly useful to have in my repertoire.

The programme is very enjoyable, with good communication between employer and training provider, as well as the effective respective management of each that reduces administrative tasks as much as possible and allows me to focus on working on and understanding the things that are most important to me in my career.

As above, the organisation is very good, with excellent communication between employer and training provider such that everything that I am expected to do - as well as the additional opportunities open to me - is made clear. Schedules are kept to, lessons are well considered and time conflicts between the two sides of my apprenticeship are minimal.

Fujitsu is very supportive of my education, very much in the knowledge that my achievement in university will contribute to my success at work. Resultantly, time is made such that we can integrate our training into our work hours, and accommodations are made dependent upon the level of demand from the university. 

The lecturers that I have worked with so far at MMU have been incredibly accommodating with regards to any queries or issues pertaining to assessments or otherwise - it's obvious that there has been very much an intent to assist the students with their learning in general, rather than just simply pushing them toward an assignment grade.

Computing - programming especially - is a cumulative field, so anything I learn at university is applicable in some regard to work and vice versa. For example, my logical thinking skills will always be enhanced by work either at college or at work. However I must admit that thus far the technologies taught at university have not been very applicable to my position. However, the practices and thought processes have.

Personally, I'm an advocate for our charity network, and I take time out to consider possible fundraisers or other new ways in which we can support our company charities. Other activities elsewhere in the business would include training events to junior talent such as myself, or networking sessions to expand your circles, etc.

Yes

Fujitsu manages to balance a friendly, understanding and accommodating environment (e.g. with the communication with university, flexible working) with being goal oriented so that apprentices such as myself can cultivate their knowledge to an incredible extent, but also branch into whatever they feel will be best for their own career.

Try to ingrain your learning into everything you do - reach out to the vast network and understand everything you don't. Fujitsu is very flexible and accommodating with your studies, but only you know where you want to take your career - use these opportunities to your advantage and steer the extensive potential for growth that the company offers towards the progression that you envision for yourself.