Software Engineer Degree Apprentice Review
at IBM
Degree Apprenticeship
Software Engineering
Leicester
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
-
Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.4/5
-
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
The Digital & Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship at IBM, specifically on the Software Engineering pathway, offers an exceptional opportunity to gain both academic credentials and practical industry experience simultaneously.
Overview of the Role and Day-to-Day Responsibilities
As a Software Engineering apprentice at IBM, my role involves a blend of academic study and hands-on project work. On a day-to-day basis, i would typically:
Participate in software development projects using agile methodologies
Work alongside experienced IBM engineers to develop and maintain applications
Attend university classes or complete coursework for my degree
Learn and apply programming languages and development frameworks
Contribute to testing, debugging, and documentation processes
Participate in code reviews and technical discussions
Gradually take on more responsibility as my skills develop
The position allows me to immediately apply theoretical concepts learned in the degree program to real-world IBM projects. I have experience various aspects of the software development lifecycle while earning a competitive salary and having my education funded.
This apprenticeship pathway provides a solid foundation for a long-term career in software engineering, with the added benefit of IBM's extensive resources, mentorship opportunities, and global project exposure.
Overview of the Role and Day-to-Day Responsibilities
As a Software Engineering apprentice at IBM, my role involves a blend of academic study and hands-on project work. On a day-to-day basis, i would typically:
Participate in software development projects using agile methodologies
Work alongside experienced IBM engineers to develop and maintain applications
Attend university classes or complete coursework for my degree
Learn and apply programming languages and development frameworks
Contribute to testing, debugging, and documentation processes
Participate in code reviews and technical discussions
Gradually take on more responsibility as my skills develop
The position allows me to immediately apply theoretical concepts learned in the degree program to real-world IBM projects. I have experience various aspects of the software development lifecycle while earning a competitive salary and having my education funded.
This apprenticeship pathway provides a solid foundation for a long-term career in software engineering, with the added benefit of IBM's extensive resources, mentorship opportunities, and global project exposure.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I thoroughly enjoy the DTSP Software Engineering apprenticeship as it provides the perfect balance of challenging academic content and real-world project experience, allowing me to develop professional skills while contributing to meaningful work at IBM.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Through the Software Engineering pathway of the DTSP apprenticeship at IBM, I've developed both new technical skills and enhanced existing ones. The program's structure of combining academic learning with immediate practical application has accelerated my skill development significantly compared to traditional education pathways. The mentorship from experienced IBM engineers has been particularly valuable in developing both technical expertise and professional judgment.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The DTSP Software Engineering apprenticeship follows a well-defined pathway that effectively integrates academic learning with practical work experience, though there could be improvements in communication between university and workplace components to better align deadlines and project requirements.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
As an IBM DTSP apprentice, I receive consistent support through regular check-ins with my manager and mentor, access to extensive learning resources, and clear guidance on balancing work and academic responsibilities, though occasionally response times can be delayed during particularly busy project periods.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
I receive good technical support from instructors and academic advisors who provide detailed feedback on assignments and are available for consultation during scheduled sessions, though there could be better support from the apprenticeship admin team regarding paperwork processing, communication about schedule changes, and responsiveness to general inquiries.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The degree qualification significantly enhances my performance at IBM by providing theoretical foundations that directly apply to my software engineering tasks, introducing me to industry best practices, and developing my problem-solving skills through practical coursework that closely mirrors the challenges I encounter in real projects.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
Yes
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend IBM to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend IBM to a friend because the company offers exceptional growth opportunities through structured apprenticeship programs, provides exposure to cutting-edge technologies and enterprise-scale projects, maintains a collaborative culture with supportive mentorship, and demonstrates a genuine commitment to employee development while offering competitive benefits and a healthy work-life balance.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?
I'd recommend thoroughly researching IBM's values and technologies before applying, preparing specific examples that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and teamwork skills, practicing technical assessments with online coding platforms, showing genuine enthusiasm for continuous learning during interviews, networking with current IBM apprentices for insights, highlighting any relevant projects even if from school or personal endeavors, and approaching the assessment center with confidence while being authentic rather than trying to fit a perceived "ideal candidate" mold.
