software developer degree apprentice Review

I am a software developer degree apprentice and so spend my day-to-day training in coding languages when I have free time. Most of my day is spent on current projects where I take on a developer role where my responsibilities are to complete certain aspects of an application.

Following training pathways provided by fujitsu, I have completed training courses for specific coding languages such as java, as well as being directed to websites/resources where I can find more specfific courses, and had the opportunity to develop my personal and professional skills as part of their programme for new joiners

I enjoy that the majority of my work is team based which makes settling in easier as well as widening your network as soon as you join, and that the company is as much person centered as it is work centered which makes balancing training and project work more manageable.

The induction to the company is very structured to give you many key things you need to know early on, then the training that follows is more independent so you can work at your own pace. The support from the mentor system is very useful as they begin contact with you before you join officially to give any help they can.

Support is unlimited at fujitsu. I can go to my team leader, line manager or buddy and if none of them can solve my problem they can easily direct me to somebody who can and introduce us without question. Even with working from home they support us with catch up calls and workstation assessments to make sure we have everything we need to do our jobs

The tutors when training are always readily available when issues arise and are more than happy to explain things different ways until you find one you understand. There are different people for different types of issues which means you'll always get somebody fixing your issue who knows what they're doing.

The modules that are taught by the training provider are generic introductions to the degree you are working towards then break off to specify into different pathways which cater to the jobs that students do. Many introductory modules taught within the first eight months I have used in practice in my day-to-day job.

Teams and areas within fujitsu often run social events which can be attended, there are volunteering opportunities within the company and we have the opportunity to spend a day volunteering elsewhere. We partner with a charity each year and fundraise throughout that year which various challenges and some donation collections

Yes

The company values run all throughout the company and are taken seriously when it comes to working your way and maintaining sustainability throughout. Although there is a company hierarchy, it does not feel as though when you join as an apprentice you are at the bottom of it, you are respected like everybody else.

Teamwork is a huge part of it - demonstrating that you are adaptable and able to work within a team. A smile can take you a long way - present yourself as eager and friendly. For assessment days you don't have to be the loudest in the group, it's not about controlling everything that happens