Digital and Technology Solutions Apprentice Review
at Newcastle Building Society
Degree Apprenticeship
Software Engineering
Newcastle upon Tyne
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.3 /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
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
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:
5/5
I am a Software Developer working within an Agile team, where I contribute to the delivery of projects by working on tasks each sprint, including developing new features, or implementing bug fixes and improvements. I collaborate closely on the daily with team members and participate in daily standups to provide updates on my progress and raise any blockers.
I also have a dedicated study release day each week, where I attend university lectures to support my academic and professional growth.
I also have a dedicated study release day each week, where I attend university lectures to support my academic and professional growth.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really enjoy the content of my course, like I touched on in the above question it's exposed me to new and interesting areas, and even though it's remote learning I’m very lucky to be part of a close knit cohort.
I won’t deny that, like any apprenticeship or anything worth doing, it involves caffeine fuelled nights working on assignments outside of your daily role. But my team is very supportive, it is incredibly fulfilling and helps me stay organised and on top of my time management.
I won’t deny that, like any apprenticeship or anything worth doing, it involves caffeine fuelled nights working on assignments outside of your daily role. But my team is very supportive, it is incredibly fulfilling and helps me stay organised and on top of my time management.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Most definitely. The L6 DTS programme has allowed me to significantly build upon my existing technical knowledge, as well as my problem solving, research and communication skills. At the same time it's also exposed me to new areas such as Robotics and Enterprise Architecture, where I gained insight into the technologies and frameworks used in those modules and in-house.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme is well structured with a dedicated day for attending lectures, making it easy to plan around.
It covers a broad range of topics from service management, to various programming modules, cyber security, devsecops and robotics. This sets you up perfectly to choose your specialism in the final year after having a taster of different modules related to the pathways.
You also are sent a learning plan at the start of each term, which includes your lecture days and deadline dates to help you manage your time effectively.
It covers a broad range of topics from service management, to various programming modules, cyber security, devsecops and robotics. This sets you up perfectly to choose your specialism in the final year after having a taster of different modules related to the pathways.
You also are sent a learning plan at the start of each term, which includes your lecture days and deadline dates to help you manage your time effectively.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I'm well supported by my manager and team who help align what I’m learning on the course into my day to day role. What's great, is although I'm based in IT Development they encourage me to explore other departments to gain insights that support my learning for modules and assignments.
I’m confident that anyone I reach out to within the organisation for guidance or insights would be more than happy to help or set aside time for me.
I’m confident that anyone I reach out to within the organisation for guidance or insights would be more than happy to help or set aside time for me.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
The support from my training provider (BPP University) includes consolidation sessions where we can ask questions and clarify any uncertainties about assignments. Although not all lecturers allow direct contact via email, so these sessions are sometimes the only opportunity to ask questions.
There has also been occasional delays and inconsistencies in feedback compared to what was communicated during the sessions, making it slightly harder to plan your assignments and time effectively.
On a positive note, I have regular check ins with my coach which help me stay on track and discuss any concerns I have.
There has also been occasional delays and inconsistencies in feedback compared to what was communicated during the sessions, making it slightly harder to plan your assignments and time effectively.
On a positive note, I have regular check ins with my coach which help me stay on track and discuss any concerns I have.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
As already mentioned, the qualification has helped me build on various skills and exposed me to different areas which has helped progress in my role.
For example, with the knowledge I have gained, I've felt more confident to get involved in taking on security related cross-over tasks within my role.
For example, with the knowledge I have gained, I've felt more confident to get involved in taking on security related cross-over tasks within my role.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
Within your first two years you are part of Early Talent, which has a freshers week and regular support group sessions with other apprentices.
The training provider BPP also hosts social events to network with other apprentices on your course.
The training provider BPP also hosts social events to network with other apprentices on your course.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Newcastle Building Society to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Newcastle Building Society is an incredible employer to undertake an apprenticeship with.
Not only have my manager and team have had a huge impact on my progression throughout the course providing support and guidance where needed. On top of that, NBS is also a living wage employer, so you can earn a generous salary, all whilst working on actual real world projects, gaining a qualification and building invaluable skills.
Not only have my manager and team have had a huge impact on my progression throughout the course providing support and guidance where needed. On top of that, NBS is also a living wage employer, so you can earn a generous salary, all whilst working on actual real world projects, gaining a qualification and building invaluable skills.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Newcastle Building Society?
I know interviews can be daunting, but just be yourself! Apprenticeships are all about learning on the job, and if you're thinking of applying to one, then you're eager to learn so make sure show that. You've got this!
