Technology Degree Apprentice Review
at PwC
Degree Apprenticeship
Information Technology
Belfast
Review Submitted: February 2022
Overall Rating
4.8 /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
4.6/5
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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:
4/5
As a technology degree apprentice, I spend year 1 and 2 as a normal software engineering student at queens with 10 week long summer placements. In year 3 and 4 i do one semester at university and one semester on placement. When on placement i am placed on various projects that vary in activity. In my experience, primarily I attend meetings and code .
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I thoroughly enjoy the programme, being salaried while studying aswell as a fully funded degree means I am not stressed over having a part time job to support myself or worried about debt after university. The people you meet by being a part of PwC is also a plus. Networking with very skilled and professional people allows you to 'up your game'
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have developed my skills grealy through the blend of study and work. I have obtained skills in a wide range of software engineering practices and gained business skills through my work with PwC. The apprenticeship allows you to constantly be learning new skills and improve your current technical abilitys.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Unlike many other similar apprenticeships, you study software engineering at queens the same as any other student not on the apprenticeship. Having placements in between study allows you to go into the next semester with a wide range of new skills and that help you succeed in your qualification. Placements are enjoyable and well organised/structured
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
PwC are very supportive throughout the apprenticeship. I am assigned a career coach and a 'buddy'. They are invaluable resources that help guide you and offer advice. There is friendly, inclusive atmosphere in the workplace and colleagues are very helpful. The support network from other apprentices is also a bonus.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
PwC have funded various certifications and training hours for me during placement on top of funding my degree expenses. Career coaches stay up to date on how you are doing at university and if any help is required. Currently as I do my dissertation, the colleagues i've met during placement have been a great asset for research and guidance.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Queens university software engineering BEng curriculum is useful for when you go out on placement. You learn a broad range of skills and become a well rounded software engineer. Much of what you do on placement can be a 'learn on the job' situation, however, Queens empower you to be adaptable and learn technologies quickly
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
I benefit from being apart of the workplace and the university. There was many social events during my summer placements, including friday night drinks, five-a-side, christmas dinner, etc. On the university side, you can still join the Queens societies even though you are employed as an apprentice. I have been on the queens ski trip and various others.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend PwC to a friend?
Yes
Why?
PwC offers what i believe to be the best apprenticeship scheme for Software Engineers in the UK. I have excelled in my abilities greatly since joining the scheme. They invest a lot in their people and work hard to make sure I am happy in my work. The office in Belfast is also very nice.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to PwC?
Research the company and the values. Read up about what sort of work we do. For students applying to the apprenticeship look into doing experience week schemes prior to interviews as these will be a great asset for you to talk about during your interviews and give you a clearer idea of what PwC does
