Apprentice Software Engineer Review
at RDT Ltd
Degree Apprenticeship
Software Engineering
Kent
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
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
5/5
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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 a degree apprentice software engineer, I contribute to the development of software solutions for insurance companies, with a particular focus on automated workflows that improve efficiency and reduce manual processing.
Day to day, I work as part of an agile team where I help build and improve features across different systems. This usually involves writing code, fixing bugs, and making updates based on business requirements.
A big part of my role is around workflow automation, so I spend time improving existing processes or building new ones to help things run more smoothly and reliably. I also work closely with other developers, as well as product owners and stakeholders, to understand what’s needed and turn that into working solutions.
At the same time, I’m studying for my degree, so I’m constantly applying what I learn into my day-to-day work, which helps me build both my technical skills and overall understanding.
Day to day, I work as part of an agile team where I help build and improve features across different systems. This usually involves writing code, fixing bugs, and making updates based on business requirements.
A big part of my role is around workflow automation, so I spend time improving existing processes or building new ones to help things run more smoothly and reliably. I also work closely with other developers, as well as product owners and stakeholders, to understand what’s needed and turn that into working solutions.
At the same time, I’m studying for my degree, so I’m constantly applying what I learn into my day-to-day work, which helps me build both my technical skills and overall understanding.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy my programme. Being able to combine work with studying suits me well, as I can apply what I learn in my degree directly to real projects, which makes it feel more relevant and engaging.
I especially enjoy the practical side of the role, like building features and working on workflow automation, as it’s satisfying to see the impact of what I’ve developed. Working as part of a team has also been a positive experience, as I’ve been able to learn from more experienced developers and improve my skills over time.
At times it can be challenging balancing work and university deadlines, but I think that’s also helped me become more organised and better at managing my time.
Overall, I enjoy it a lot and feel like it’s a really good way to develop both academically and professionally.
I especially enjoy the practical side of the role, like building features and working on workflow automation, as it’s satisfying to see the impact of what I’ve developed. Working as part of a team has also been a positive experience, as I’ve been able to learn from more experienced developers and improve my skills over time.
At times it can be challenging balancing work and university deadlines, but I think that’s also helped me become more organised and better at managing my time.
Overall, I enjoy it a lot and feel like it’s a really good way to develop both academically and professionally.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Throughout my programme, I’ve developed both new skills and strengthened existing ones.
On the technical side, I’ve improved my programming ability and gained experience working on real-world systems, particularly around building and maintaining automated workflows. I’ve also developed a better understanding of software design, debugging, and writing clean, maintainable code.
In addition to technical skills, I’ve built on my communication and teamwork. Working in an agile environment has helped me become more confident contributing in meetings, explaining technical concepts, and collaborating with both developers and non-technical stakeholders.
Balancing work alongside university has also improved my time management and organisation, as I’ve had to manage deadlines and prioritise tasks effectively.
Overall, I’ve seen a lot of progress in both my technical and professional development since starting the programme.
On the technical side, I’ve improved my programming ability and gained experience working on real-world systems, particularly around building and maintaining automated workflows. I’ve also developed a better understanding of software design, debugging, and writing clean, maintainable code.
In addition to technical skills, I’ve built on my communication and teamwork. Working in an agile environment has helped me become more confident contributing in meetings, explaining technical concepts, and collaborating with both developers and non-technical stakeholders.
Balancing work alongside university has also improved my time management and organisation, as I’ve had to manage deadlines and prioritise tasks effectively.
Overall, I’ve seen a lot of progress in both my technical and professional development since starting the programme.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Overall, my programme is well organised and structured. On the work side, being part of an agile team gives a clear framework, with regular stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives helping to keep everything on track.
The degree side is also structured, with set modules and deadlines, which makes it clear what’s expected throughout the year. Having that structure helps with planning and staying organised.
That said, balancing both work and study can sometimes be challenging, especially around busy periods or deadlines. Occasionally, the overlap between the two can make things feel a bit intense, but it’s manageable with good time management.
Overall, I’d say the structure works well and supports both my learning and development, even if it can be demanding at times.
The degree side is also structured, with set modules and deadlines, which makes it clear what’s expected throughout the year. Having that structure helps with planning and staying organised.
That said, balancing both work and study can sometimes be challenging, especially around busy periods or deadlines. Occasionally, the overlap between the two can make things feel a bit intense, but it’s manageable with good time management.
Overall, I’d say the structure works well and supports both my learning and development, even if it can be demanding at times.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a good level of support from my employer. Within my team, I’m able to ask questions and get guidance from more experienced developers, which has been really helpful for my learning and development.
I also have regular check-ins with my manager, where we discuss my progress, any challenges I’m facing, and my overall development. This helps make sure I’m on track and gives me the opportunity to raise any concerns.
My employer is also supportive of the degree side of the apprenticeship, giving me time to focus on university work when needed, especially around exams or deadlines.
Overall, I feel well supported both in my day-to-day role and in progressing through my programme.
I also have regular check-ins with my manager, where we discuss my progress, any challenges I’m facing, and my overall development. This helps make sure I’m on track and gives me the opportunity to raise any concerns.
My employer is also supportive of the degree side of the apprenticeship, giving me time to focus on university work when needed, especially around exams or deadlines.
Overall, I feel well supported both in my day-to-day role and in progressing through my programme.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I receive a good level of support from my training provider while working towards my qualification. The course is well structured, with clear modules, deadlines, and resources that help guide my learning.
There’s also support available from tutors, whether that’s through lectures, feedback on assignments, or when I need clarification on certain topics. This has been useful, especially when covering more complex areas.
At times, support can feel a bit less immediate compared to the workplace, but overall there are still plenty of opportunities to ask for help and stay on track.
Overall, I feel supported in progressing through my qualification, with enough guidance to help me succeed while still encouraging independent learning.
There’s also support available from tutors, whether that’s through lectures, feedback on assignments, or when I need clarification on certain topics. This has been useful, especially when covering more complex areas.
At times, support can feel a bit less immediate compared to the workplace, but overall there are still plenty of opportunities to ask for help and stay on track.
Overall, I feel supported in progressing through my qualification, with enough guidance to help me succeed while still encouraging independent learning.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I think my qualification helps to a good extent in improving my performance in my role. It gives me a solid foundation in key concepts like software design, problem-solving, and general development principles, which I can apply in my day-to-day work.
Some of the topics I study link directly to what I do, especially when it comes to thinking more critically about how I structure code or approach problems. That’s been useful in helping me write better, more maintainable solutions.
That said, not everything is directly relevant to my role, as some modules are more theoretical. However, they still help build a broader understanding of software engineering as a whole.
Overall, I’d say the qualification supports my development and makes me a more well-rounded engineer, even if the relevance varies depending on the topic.
Some of the topics I study link directly to what I do, especially when it comes to thinking more critically about how I structure code or approach problems. That’s been useful in helping me write better, more maintainable solutions.
That said, not everything is directly relevant to my role, as some modules are more theoretical. However, they still help build a broader understanding of software engineering as a whole.
Overall, I’d say the qualification supports my development and makes me a more well-rounded engineer, even if the relevance varies depending on the topic.
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 range of extra-curricular activities available within the workplace. These include regular social events, which provide opportunities to build relationships with colleagues outside of day-to-day work.
I have taken part in several of these activities, including bowling and go-karting, as well as informal social gatherings. These events have been a good way to engage with the wider team in a more relaxed environment.
There are also occasional opportunities for professional networking, allowing interaction with colleagues across different areas of the business.
Overall, there is a good variety of activities that support both social interaction and professional development.
I have taken part in several of these activities, including bowling and go-karting, as well as informal social gatherings. These events have been a good way to engage with the wider team in a more relaxed environment.
There are also occasional opportunities for professional networking, allowing interaction with colleagues across different areas of the business.
Overall, there is a good variety of activities that support both social interaction and professional development.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend RDT Ltd to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend RDT to a friend. RDT provides a supportive environment for learning and professional development, particularly for apprentices, with strong opportunities to gain practical, hands-on experience.
The work itself is engaging and meaningful, particularly in areas such as workflow automation, where there is a clear impact on business processes. There is also a positive and collaborative team culture, which makes it easier to learn from others and contribute effectively.
In addition, the company supports the academic side of the apprenticeship, helping to create a good balance between work and study.
Overall, I believe RDT offers a well-rounded experience and is a strong option for someone starting a career in software engineering.
The work itself is engaging and meaningful, particularly in areas such as workflow automation, where there is a clear impact on business processes. There is also a positive and collaborative team culture, which makes it easier to learn from others and contribute effectively.
In addition, the company supports the academic side of the apprenticeship, helping to create a good balance between work and study.
Overall, I believe RDT offers a well-rounded experience and is a strong option for someone starting a career in software engineering.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to RDT Ltd?
For apprentices applying to RDT, I would recommend focusing on having a strong CV that shows your interest in software development, along with your willingness to learn and develop.
Having a solid foundation in technical skills is important, but as an apprentice, you’re not expected to know everything from the start. A lot of what you need will be learned on the job, so showing enthusiasm and a proactive attitude can make a big difference.
I would also strongly recommend researching the company beforehand. Having a good understanding of what RDT does and being able to demonstrate that knowledge during the application process can really help you stand out.
Overall, showing genuine interest, motivation, and a willingness to improve will put you in a strong position.
Having a solid foundation in technical skills is important, but as an apprentice, you’re not expected to know everything from the start. A lot of what you need will be learned on the job, so showing enthusiasm and a proactive attitude can make a big difference.
I would also strongly recommend researching the company beforehand. Having a good understanding of what RDT does and being able to demonstrate that knowledge during the application process can really help you stand out.
Overall, showing genuine interest, motivation, and a willingness to improve will put you in a strong position.
