Apprentice Software Engineer Review
at Arm
Degree Apprenticeship
Computer Systems Engineering
Cambridge
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
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
3.4/5
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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
As an apprentice software engineer I engage with code on a daily basis. The project I am currently on is using mostly python, and I help to develop new features for our codebase as well fix any bugs that might come up.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
Arm is a wonderful place to work, and you really do feel like part of a family here. Equally, there is lots of exposure to different levels of audience, whether that be your team, or the wider groups. The technical aspect, and getting to learn from industry experts, have also been fantastic. So far it has been an incredibly valuable experience, and I have learnt so much.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have significantly developed my communication and teamwork skills, with having to get used to meetings and having to present / provide input in some of them. I have also developed further my knowledge of python, but also cpu architecture, linux systems (and operating systems in general) and C++.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme itself is well structured, I have plenty of people who are there for me to contact if I need help on various topics. The uni side and work side are separate, but my manager is very understanding if I ever need to put more time into the uni side (which I haven't had to do yet). There's structures set up in place generally within the workplace that aid to structure as well, such as 1:1s and team meetings.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive a lot of support from my team about whatever issue(s) I am struggling with if I feel like I've hit a dead end, but also no one is overbearing and so I have the opportunity to perhaps spend more time than it would take someone else, but debug it all myself. In terms of non-technical support there are different teams you can contact for anything you might need.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
I receive little support, but this is my personal choice as I feel I don't need this currently. However, they do offer it, and do continually ask me and so I would feel comfortable getting it if I needed it.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
1/5
The course itself does not align very well with my job role, in that the content way be somewhat relevant but will be at a much too basic level. It can provide a very basic level of understanding to a topic, but these topics are often something that I won't interact with day to day. The modules generally are irrelevant to my day to day, and don't go into enough depth to make them potentially useful. Neither side is to blame though, I believe it's just a quirk of what apprenticeship standards were available and chosen to do at the time.
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 various social committees and budgets for team socials, wider group socials, apprentice socials, and people just going to the pub after work. With all these things there are regularly social activities you can get involved in if you want.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Arm to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Overall the company has an amazing culture, and I am happy in my job role. There are plenty of social activities, and plenty of support. On the technical side I feel like I have been allowed to go at my own pace, and be as ambitious as I want with what I take on.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Arm?
Don't worry about it (easier said than done). If you go in feeling like you've got to secure this role, this will be reflected throughout your application, whereas if you are more relaxed you will come across better. Also, research the company, find out the core values, what they do as a business. This can help you stand out from the rest if an opportunity arises to show this knowledge.
