Software Developer Apprentice Review

Item: Software Developer Apprentice at NatWest Group
Rating: 4.9
Author: Anonymous

at NatWest Group

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Software Engineering

London

Review Submitted: May 2025

Overall Rating

4.9 /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 - Overview of Role

5/5 - Skills Development

4.8/5 - 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 work as part of a small team who look after one application. We are responsible for fixing bugs, implementing new features and monitor application performance. I work closely with my team as well as business analysts, other developers, middle office & end users.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

5/5

I really enjoy my programme, it has not only allowed me to learn news skills and knowledge but it also allows me to practice and develop these skills in real life scenarios.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

5/5

Throughout my experience I have learnt many new skills and continue to develop these new skills by using them in real life scenarios. These skills include; strong C# programming skills, debugging techniques, version control, deployment strategies and many code quality skills.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

5/5

The programme is very well structured. It has clear steps throughout the whole process of what has been done, what is being done and what is due. There are also plenty of people on hand to help or answer any queries.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5

My employer has been beyond supportive, in fact my whole team have provided a lot of support throughout my whole programme.

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

5/5

My training provider has always provided me with sufficient information towards my qualification and has always answered any questions I've had in a timely manner.

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

4/5

I feel in most ways it helps me to perform better, by understanding theory behind the practical. However, in my personal experience, I have found the hands on approach to be a lot more beneficial.

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 many activities taking place at my work, which I am always invited to. However, I haven't taken advantage of these.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend NatWest Group to a friend?

Yes

Why?

NatWest provides comprehensive hands-on experience with C# development in a production environment- which to me has been invaluable. You learn practical software engineering skills beyond just coding—debugging complex issues, implementing CI/CD pipelines, and writing maintainable code that others can understand. The small team setting ensures you're involved in all aspects of development from requirements gathering to deployment, while gaining experience with version control, code reviews, and agile methodologies. You develop problem-solving abilities by fixing real bugs with real consequences, and learn to balance quick solutions with technical debt considerations.