Apprentice Review

I didn't expect to land in a PMO role after applying for a Software Engineer Apprenticeship, however, I do actually really enjoy it. Working in the PMO Team has allowed me to gain a variety of skills and work with a lot of large clients.

I have gained a lot of confidence dealing with large stakeholders and have a lot of responsibility in the PMO area.

I have enjoyed the career aspect of the apprenticeship, however, the programme itself does not correlate with my role. Working in PMO doesn't allow you to get the hands on technical experience you can apply to the University course, the University doesn't offer much support either.

They shouldn't employ as many apprentices they do and label them as "software engineers" as there aren't enough technical roles for junior staff. Most new apprentices end up on the bench for months or in PMO roles like I did. I much rather have done a business degree.

The support from the PMO team/my career councilor is excellent. The apprenticeship management is atrocious and useless, they don't care about the well-being of the apprentices and more about ticking boxes.

Pre-pandemic was a lot easier, nowadays the lectures are all pre-recorded and we were left to our own devices to try and understand the course. Was a struggle to get time in with the lecturer as he had to find the time for everyone else on a 1-1 basis.

The qualification does not help you in PMO, the actual work experience takes precedence over anything you learn at University and you get better at the role over time.

There is many different opportunities to get involved with and side of desk work is encouraged.

No

Great option to get a sponsored degree and work experience but if you value your mental health I wouldn't recommend doing the apprenticeship. Accenture really need to take a look at the apprenticeship management team/HR - they really only just see you as a number and very much replaceable.

If you are actually interested in a technical career I would look at other companies that don't take on as many apprentices, it is very hard to find projects that would take on a train such a junior member of staff.