Level 6 Software Engineer Apprentice Review
at Vodafone
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Information Technology
Newbury, Berkshire
Review Submitted: June 2023
Overall Rating
4.9 /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!
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:
5/5
Some of my daily tasks involve:
- attending a daily stand-up meeting, where myself and the team discuss the progress we've made on our tasks and any issues or blockers we may have;
- completing coding tasks, such as APIs, for the project assigned to our team;
- reviewing Merge Requests created by my colleagues.
- attending a daily stand-up meeting, where myself and the team discuss the progress we've made on our tasks and any issues or blockers we may have;
- completing coding tasks, such as APIs, for the project assigned to our team;
- reviewing Merge Requests created by my colleagues.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I am very pleased with the programme, both from a work perspective and university perspective. I have learnt way more than I was expecting to in my first year and I am very excited for the remaining years on this programme. I believe the support I received from my colleagues and teachers has helped a great deal.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt a great deal of skills, not only in my work role, but also in my university lectures and through my assignments. I had very limited knowledge of software engineering when I started and I am much more confident in completing tasks successfully on my own now. Some of the skills I gained in my first year of apprenticeship are:
- Knowledge-based skills: learnt how to create APIs using TypeScript, created unit tests using JEST, created email templates using HTML and CSS, learnt how to use Visual Studio Code, Visual Studio, JIRA, Confluence, CodePen, and many more tools and software.
- Transferrable skills: my organisational skills have definitely improved since I started this apprenticeship, as I had to learn how to better manage my time and tasks to ensure that both my work and my university assignments are completed to a high standard;
- Knowledge-based skills: learnt how to create APIs using TypeScript, created unit tests using JEST, created email templates using HTML and CSS, learnt how to use Visual Studio Code, Visual Studio, JIRA, Confluence, CodePen, and many more tools and software.
- Transferrable skills: my organisational skills have definitely improved since I started this apprenticeship, as I had to learn how to better manage my time and tasks to ensure that both my work and my university assignments are completed to a high standard;
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
I think the programme is very organised, ensuring that the work tasks and university assignments we receive are aligned. Feedback has been taken into account and incorporated into our programme, which I believe is a great feature of this apprenticeship, as well as having regular review meetings with our uni representative and line manager.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I am very pleased with the support I received at work, both from management and my colleagues. I am able to prioritise assignments and deadlines, as appropriate, and I if I am ever stuck on a particular task, I can reach out to my colleagues and have a chat about the issue.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
The college staff has been excellent throughout the year, and supported us with any issues or questions we had regarding our assignments and course in general. We have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and receive feedback from our lecturers, as well as having the chance to speak to our programme lead regularly, whom we can discuss general aspects of the programme with.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The assignments we complete are intended to be as close as possible to our role tasks, however, that is not always possible, as roles can differ, depending on the team. I still believe the assignments were quite aligned with my work, and helped me with completing my work tasks. For example, I completed an assignment in which I was asked to develop a website, using HTML, CSS and JavaScript, which later helped me on one of my work tasks where I had to create a template for an email.
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
Yes, there are many clubs and activities available for apprentices and graduates (but not limited to these groups). Vodafone has a very well developed Youth Group, with a board consisting of apprentices and graduates. They make sure to maintain constant communication with all their colleagues and ensure that their ideas and suggestions are taken into consideration.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Vodafone to a friend?
Yes
Why?
My experience so far has been amazing and I am very excited to continue my journey with Vodafone and Blackpool & the Fylde College. I think this programme is very well structured, I think the work experience and university courses are highly valuable, and the support received in this role is extremely beneficial for ones growth.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Vodafone?
Make sure your values and goals align with the Vodafone values;
Be confident and do not be afraid to voice your opinions - this is highly encouraged at Vodafone
Show initiative and willingness to learn (even if you don't know the answer to a question or make a mistake, show that you are willing to learn).
Be confident and do not be afraid to voice your opinions - this is highly encouraged at Vodafone
Show initiative and willingness to learn (even if you don't know the answer to a question or make a mistake, show that you are willing to learn).
