Apprentice Software Developer Review

I try and support my team with tickets and try to gain a better understanding of the systems that they are using. The team is mainly backend developing.

I have learnt some Java and some other coding language basics but not confident in them yet. I have also learned lots of systems and how they are all intertwined with each other.

I enjoy the mental challenge and I enjoy constantly learning new skills. It is just a lot to take in and sometimes it can be very confusing.

The programme could be better organised and the courses that we are doing could be more relevant to what the role is. The courses that I have done so far haven't been relevant at all to the job and there are a few things that can be transferred but not all of it is useful. I have found that I have had to do external courses in order to gain a better understanding.

My employer is supportive and they do understand that I didnt have a tech background and they are very good at giving me time to study and time to further widen my knowledge which makes understanding the job easier.

At the moment it could be better in terms of communication with my mentor. There have been many occasions when I have needed help or answers but I have had no response. I have learnt that my mentor has 20 extra students to deal with that she should have but it has impacted receiving help when I need it for sure. So there could be improvements on the providers side.

I guess it will give me some knowledge of the tech and IT industry, but it would be helpful if the courses available were more relevant to the roles that the apprentices go into.

There are some professional networking events that come up time to time, a few of them have however been on at the same time as a course so I have been unable to attend them so far.

Yes

The opportunities to develop a career are very promising and I have been telling my friends to apply for an apprenticeship with NatWest.

Be yourself, be positive and be enthusiastic to learn.