Software Development Engineer Apprentice Review
at Amazon
Degree Apprenticeship
Software Engineering
Edinburgh
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.6 /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
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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
I work with team members to define, design and implement software features. This includes writing and reviewing code, but also a significant amount of document writing and reviews. On at least a weekly basis, reviewing metrics (such as dashboards).
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy being at work. Some university modules have, at times, seemed a little outdated or disorganised. However - when feedback has been provided, the university have always acted on this, with future modules being improved.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
When I started the apprenticeship, I had little programming ability. My current role requires that I am able to program in multiple (any!) languages, from Typescript to Kotlin. It has increased my ability to be able to pick up a new language quickly. My understanding of system design has also greatly improved.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
As above
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I've always had complete support from my my managers and colleagues. Whether I need help and support with my work, or if I feel that I need some additional time to prepare for exams, or have multiple university deadlines, I've never lacked support
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The level of feedback provided varies by the lecturer, but I've never felt like I couldn't reach out to anyone or was without support
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Overall it has contributed to making me a better, more well-rounded engineer, as we may cover different topics to what is needed at work. As someone from a non-tech background, it has improved my background knowledge, also meaning that I can express myself better when discussing technical concepts
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 lots of social activities! There are regular site-wide socials and team socials. At my site, there are several `sporty` groups, such as running, bouldering and yoga. There are definitely others that I'm not aware of! Not sure if extra-curricular(?) - but lots of hackathons
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Amazon to a friend?
Yes
Why?
You're able to work on complex problems at scale, on projects or features that have significant impact. As an engineer, YOU can influence the design and implementation of these features
Support: as mentioned, I've felt supported during my apprenticeship, especially around deadlines, for example
Support: as mentioned, I've felt supported during my apprenticeship, especially around deadlines, for example
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Amazon?
People are not looking for what you can do right now, but your POTENTIAL (and enthusiasm!). When applying, demonstrate a project that shows why you're passionate about the field that you're applying for, and how this shows some of Amazon's leadership principles (LPs).
