Software Developer Review
at IBM
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Information Technology
Reading
Review Submitted: May 2022
Overall Rating
4.4 /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
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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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
I am a Software Developer on an Open Source project hosted on Github. On a daily basis, I develop features that have been assigned to me as a Github issue, I diagnose regression test failures from the previous evening and develop and deliver a fix for them if appropriate and I attend Scrums and meetings with the rest of the development team.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I thoroughly enjoyed the practical part of the programme. The work was very varied as I had to learn many different skills to pass the apprenticeship so I feel I have gained a varied skillset and am a well rounded developer. I felt that my team were very supportive in giving me the correct work that would allow me to best demonstrate the skills needed for the apprenticeship. The company culture around apprentices is very progressive in that apprentices are treated as equal to experienced employees. The last part of the programme, the End Point Assessment, was more stressful however only lasts for a few months.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I had no experience in technology before I started my Software Developer apprenticeship so all the practical skills I have acquired are new skills, such as learning to code in Java, COBOL and Golang. I have developed my softer skills in areas such as team working, logical and lateral thinking, problem solving etc.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme is very well structured: there is a clear timeline so you know if you have kept on track of your deliverables at each stage. I did feel there could have been more training and support at the very beginning, especially since I had no technical experience before the programme, but as time went by I did feel well supported. Also, the fact that the required off-the-job learning hours was 20% of my working hours made it easy to put aside that time, usually one day a week.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
IBM were very supportive: my managers were in constant contact with me throughout the programme. My manager and mentor also had to write my Employer Reference which contributed to my end grade, so were very in the loop with what was happening. The general attitude towards supporting me was very positive - if I needed some more time to complete work towards the apprenticeship that was prioritised.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
You have an assigned Learning Mentor who you check in with once a month, and can contact on an adhoc basis. At the start of the programme I felt that more regular contact and more training would have been beneficial, towards the end once a month is probably sufficient.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
While Software Development is an exciting industry with many different ways of working, I feel that the qualification has given me a standardised approach to a project, that I can extend and adapt to any project I work on now. I am aware of the different roles in the team and the parts they play in a project. Similarly, I have gained two externally recognised certifications as part of the qualification.
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
Due to the pandemic, there wasn't many in person extra curricular events until recently, but I did participate in two virtual 'hackathons' and attend virtual socials with other apprentices. I also got involved in National Apprenticeship Week which allowed me to meet more apprentices. More recently, I have been to a few social meals with my team. I have also been lucky enough to attend the IT Industry Awards in London.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend IBM to a friend?
Yes
Why?
IBM treats apprentices with the same amount of trust and respect as an experienced employee. You are given challenging work that really pushes you so you can learn and improve as much as you can. You are also working for one of the biggest technology companies and know that your work is contributing to important things.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?
Be authentic and show that you have a genuine interest and passion for technology. You do not need to already have experience and knowledge but just show that you want to work hard.
