Software Engineering Degree Apprentice Review
at MBDA
Degree Apprenticeship
Software Engineering
Stevenage
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.7 /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
4.4/5
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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:
5/5
Role involves a large breadth of experience with computer and software systems, using knowledge about electronics, hardware and embedded software to solve business problems.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I am really enjoying the work I am doing with the business. The large variety of teams and experiences really highlight skills development for myself, which is allowing me to rapidly develop as an individual. I think this is quite a unique experience with respect to the culture and opportunities available.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have developed a wide range of skills, both technically and professionally. My workplace actively provides opportunities to develop skills, weather it be through residential programmes, or through different schemes during the apprenticeship - there is always something to get involved with.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is very structured, giving us lots of flexibility with different learning components. I have been given a plethora of experiences to gain my apprenticeship competencies in a competitive and rewarding environment. I have found this to be an invaluable way of learning.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive an unbelievable amount of support from my employer. If something needs purchasing, they will fund it, if I need somebody's time, they are more than happy to spend it with me. I feel that I have an abundance of resources to aid my support and development within the business.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The training provider is more than happy to answer any queries with the apprenticeship and qualifications. Adding to this, our HR advisors are more than happy to create communication between us and the training provider to assist with the support factor. Sometimes I feel that the training provider may not have the best idea of how to guide us, however, for the most part they are happy to help anyway they can.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I think that the qualification is providing me with a breadth of skills required for the role, however I don't feel like they are as valuable as the time I spend at work. I think the qualification is helpful in certain scenarios, but doesn't always lend itself to my day to day duties at work.
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
There are a wide range of activities to get involved with at work. There is everything from professional events to social clubs to sports teams. We do an annual footballing competition which is particularly nice as it brings people closer together. The business is always funding extra curricular activity and it makes it a really wholesome place to work.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend MBDA to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The amount of skills available to learn and there always being different things to work on. I would say that my time in the business has been invaluable due to this and the many experiences I've gotten while here. I have built a great network of peers and am continuing to develop myself. It is a really great place to work.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to MBDA?
Be yourself and think outside the box. Have plenty of experiences and examples to hand and don't be afraid to show weaknesses in these situations and how you've reflected on them since. The team really value you showing progression and a growth mindset.
