IT Degree Apprentice Review
at Howden
Degree Apprenticeship
Information Technology
London
Review Submitted: November 2025
Overall Rating
4.5 /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
4.2/5
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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
As an IT Apprentice, my role involved providing technical support and learning hands-on skills while completing structured training. On a day-to-day basis, I assisted colleagues with troubleshooting hardware and software issues, installed and configured systems, and ensured everything ran smoothly. I shadowed experienced professionals to gain practical knowledge and contributed to IT projects such as system upgrades and deployments. Alongside this, I balanced my work with coursework and training sessions to develop my technical expertise. This role allowed me to build strong problem-solving skills, improve communication, and gain real-world experience in a fast-paced IT environment.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I would rate my enjoyment of the programme as 5 out of 5. The main reasons for this are the people and the culture, which created a supportive and collaborative environment, and the opportunity to build my skills and expand my professional network. Being surrounded by motivated colleagues and having access to continuous learning made the experience both rewarding and enjoyable
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I’ve learned a lot of new skills and developed existing ones during my apprenticeship. On the technical side, I gained experience in automating workflows using ServiceNow, configuring IT systems, and enhancing security measures. I also worked on large scale projects like merger and acquisition integrations, which taught me how to manage complex tasks and collaborate across teams. Beyond technical skills, I developed strong problem-solving abilities, resilience, and adaptability, especially when stepping out of my comfort zone. I improved my communication and teamwork skills through working with colleagues globally and even created an internal podcast to bring people together. To deepen my knowledge, I earned IT certifications in IT Service Management and Project Delivery, which strengthened my understanding of best practices and professional standards. These experiences have helped me grow both professionally and personally.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
I would say my programme was very well organised and structured. From the start, there was a clear balance between practical work and academic learning, which made it easy to apply theory to real world projects.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
The programme provided defined milestones, regular check-ins, and access to mentors who supported my development. I always knew what was expected of me and had the resources to succeed, whether through structured training sessions, project involvement, or opportunities to earn certifications
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The first year was a learning curve for both myself and the university but each year improved upon the last. I received good support from the university, especially when working on my final dissertation. Their guidance and feedback throughout the process were invaluable and helped me structure my work effectively. This support played a big role in enabling me to achieve a first-class degree.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
My qualification has definitely helped me perform better in my role, but to varying degrees depending on the module. Modules like Networks and Infrastructure were very relevant and directly applicable to my day-to-day responsibilities, as they gave me a solid understanding of how systems connect and operate. On the other hand, some modules, such as coding projects, were less aligned with my role since I didn’t use programming extensively in my work. That said, even those modules helped me develop problem-solving and logical thinking skills, which are valuable in IT.
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
Yes, I was able to get involved and network internally on a regular basis due to the social activities and volunteering opportunities that work offered
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Howden to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The company offers great flexibility and provides strong support to learn and work in a way that suits you best. From day one, I felt trusted to manage my time effectively and encouraged to take ownership of my development. The culture is collaborative and inclusive, which makes it easy to grow both professionally and personally. For anyone looking for an environment that values learning, adaptability, and well-being, Howden is the place to be!
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Howden?
My advice to anyone applying to Howden is to be proactive and open minded. Show curiosity and a willingness to learn because the company offers plenty of opportunities to develop your skills. Highlight your adaptability and communication skills during the application process, as these are highly valued here.
