Software Engineer Review

My current day-to-day role involves mainly testing and SQL; with some development work using C#. It all depends on what needs doing at the time, which is great because it gives me a very broad range of work and no two days are the same.

Coming into the apprenticeship, I had very little knowledge in software development and testing; but feel that in my first year I have been able to learn a lot and greatly develop my skills. This is mainly down to the experience I have around me, and how easy it is to approach another employee, regardless of what grade they are.

The majority of the time I really enjoy my work, because I enjoy the challenge and I am enjoying training my skills in the profession. I think that the programme has been improved recently to maintain a greater work-life balance; but I still feel it could be improved more (ie. study days allocated)

Considering I am just over a year into the profession and "at the bottom of the pile", I feel incredibly valued. I have had two previous jobs (as a sales assistant and in catering) and the difference is incredible. At my previous jobs I felt very used and replaceable, but at Capgemini I feel like a valued employee all of the time and feel I can talk to anybody in the company.

It's improving. I think that it started off a bit shaky, but the programme has been constantly improving. It's been a case of tweaking everything to get the best results and keeping everyone happy.

This varies, I have had two different training providers, the first of which was very consistent and helpful, but my current is not very reliable (turns up unexpected and expects us to spend an hour with him when we're busy!?) - but the help he gives us is very helpful.

I receive great support from my employer. There are two separate monthly catch-up calls with our Apprentice Manager and our Apprenticeship Programme Manager - which keep us informed about everything related to the scheme. I also receive great support from colleagues on my project.

I feel that we have a very good salary for the opening year of our apprenticeship, and there are clear routes set out to get a pay rise.

Several. There are a lot of events which take part of weekends (which are paid for entirely by Capgemini), and there are a lot of social events related to my project, and a big get together of the whole apprenticeship scheme in place.

Yes

It is a fantastic opportunity for anybody, being paid to take a level 4 course AND a degree; and everybody in the company is treated as equals and with respect.

Make sure that it is what you want to do, and not to be daunted by the reward you get - the company does not expect you to come into the company as a whiz kid; they're there to train us up; I came in with no programming experience whatsoever!