Front end developer Review
at Santander
Degree Apprenticeship
Information Technology, Finance
Milton Keynes
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
3.8 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
3/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
currently, i work as a front end developer within Santander, i've been in this role for one year and i love it. i code in javascript, HTML and css and make front end applications for the innovations team. i use technologies such as aws, react and angular in order to make my applications. we work in an agile way, having daily stand ups and sprints.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
the teams i have been involved with over the years really made the programme enjoyable. giving me a broad understanding of the business world i was able to chose what sector i enjoyed the most and gain a full time role in that area outside of the apprenticeship. the programme has been great in terms of my employer
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
currently i am learning how to code in javascript. prior to joining the team i am currently in i only have used java and python only in university modules. ive been self teaching myself by creating my own applications outside of work hours as i enjoy coding a lot. i have been learning for 6 months.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
there are two sides of the programme, the business side with Santander and the university side with BPP. with Santander i have definitely enjoyed the experience, the company is very supportive and i feel i was able to get a lot out of the programme.
in terms of the university the organisation and structure has been somewhat poor, it was not an enjoyable experience and i am happy to be finished with it.
in terms of the university the organisation and structure has been somewhat poor, it was not an enjoyable experience and i am happy to be finished with it.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
the employer has been great at supporting me throughout the course. for example, 20% of the working week has to be dedicated to university work. which means i had every friday as a study-day, this day is protected and im not allowed to do any normal work during those days
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
the training provider although it hasn't been a good experience i can appreciate that they tried,(or individuals within the company tried) to support the apprentices. but this has been overshadowed by poor communication throughout the 4.5 years. i graduated in September and i'm still waiting for may certificate
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
i personally dont believe any qualification can help an individual perform better in a role. degrees are fairly general and although the get you in the door most of what you learn is within the job. i dont think qualifications can hold anything over actual experiences as almost anyone can get a piece of paper that says they can do something without actually knowing how to do it.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
theres lots of activities that you can get involved it. im not must of a sporty person but i was involved in the football. theres also many clubs for many different sports. as a programmer i like all of the technical clubs available such as the weekly skill up meetings
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Santander to a friend?
Yes
Why?
i have been with the company for 4 years now and its so for the best decision ive made; not going to uni. the company has a great culture and i have made life long friends that i go on holiday every year with. with only missed one year due to the pandemic.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Santander?
i applied to the apprenticeship not knowing what i wanted to do, and thats okay, use the time you have rotating around teams to find what you love and hate and build on that. without this course i have no clue where i would be in terms of my career.
