Apprentice Software Engineer Review

Carrying out a range of tasks at each stage of the software development lifecycle. Implementing and testing new features on various code bases. Working as part of an Agile team. Aiding in conducting a formal release of said code bases. Completing work based university coursework's as well as carrying out a large work based project to satisfy the requirements of the university dissertation.

During my apprenticeship I've learned many technical skills whilst developing soft skills. Technical skills: Python, C, C++, ADA, SDLCs (Agile, Waterfall, Iterative), Configuration management, Testing, Requirements Engineering, Design, UML, project management. This is just a short list which does not include every skill I've learned. Soft skills: Communication, problem solving, time management, team work, resilience, working under pressure.

As with any apprenticeship there have been ups and downs. Mostly due to university workload it can become quite stressful at times. However, the business provides you with all the support you need. There's always something to learn/ do which makes the programme enjoyable. Sometimes the work can become quite repetitive but if you find this to be the case, all it takes is a conversation with your team to find something new to do.

The programme has been mostly well organised. During the induction we learned all the basics we needed to know about the company, way of working, and the placements we'd be working in throughout our first year. We receive fairly regular updates from the apprentice management team about the business and apprenticeship programme. The apprenticeship management team have also been great in offering support where needed. The communication between the university and business has sometimes been less than expected. However, recently this has improved greatly due to a change in management of software apprentices. We receive 2 days out of our working week (Mon - Fri) to go to our university commitments. For example: lectures, coursework's, revision and any other university related activities we need to do. This offers much needed time to ensure we are up to date with our university assignments.

Leonardo has been great across the business to receive any support you need. My experience has led me to believe anyone would be happy to take the time out of their day to help you. All of the mangers/ supervisors/ colleagues i've worked with have been helpful and been easy to get support from.

I believe the university is easy to get support from as well when needed. There are a number of ways you can get support from the university with the main person being your academic tutor. I have had no issues with the support I've received from university. I've had some issues resolved very quickly whilst others have taken a little longer than expected.

I believe what I've learned from university has contributed to performing better in my role. However I don't believe every course I've taken has contributed to this so far. That's not to say they won't in future however. I do believe that what i've seen in the workplace is very different to what you expect from learning the theory. So it's good to attend university with the mindset that what you will learn won't always be what's done in reality.

Potentially a weaker point I've experienced is the social activities. My experience is possibly an outlier due to my programme being done during the covid-19 pandemic. There have been limited social events to take part in I've found. So much so that I have little knowledge of what social events take place. In terms of events I've been on, these are usually a Christmas night out for apprentices or the project I'm working on.

Yes

It's a life changing opportunity. It allows you to obtain a degree whilst obtaining the ever more important work experience. The high salary received means as a young person, it is not impossible to save up to buy a house whilst also funding your lifestyle. You also do not have to pay towards your degree so you have 0 debt. Leonardo is a great company to work for and will help you to achieve a great start to your career.

Be thorough with your application. Ensure you fully answer the questions. Prepare as much as you can for the interviews/assessment centre. Research, practice and practice again until you know any presentations and interview answers inside and out. Bring paper copies of any presentation slides you might have. Know what you're going in to by researching online. Try not to stress out. So long as you practice and prepare there's nothing to worry about.