Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship Review

Every morning, I meet with my team, where we all update on our progress with our respective work. Most days, I then complete tasks such as writing code for a new feature, fixing bugs or releasing a new app version to users. I am fully supported by other more senior software engineers in my team and are always happy to help with questions or when I get stuck. Across the week, my team meets to discuss our progress and areas we can improve upon as a team. I get to collaborate daily with many different people, including UX Designers, Quality Assurance Testers and Product Managers to reach our team's goals.
On my study days, I complete the assignment for university and write up about specific pieces of work I've done to meet criteria (KSBs) for my apprenticeship.

My programme is well organised on the BBC's side. I was assigned to my team straight after I accepted the offer and was able to meet my line manager even before I started my role. At times with my university provider, as my cohort are the first year under a new specification of our apprenticeship, things have been up in the air for a long time, especially surrounding our final year project.

I receive a lot of support from my line manager, who pushes me into new experiences but has also helped resolve any issues I have had, depsite being the first time he has managed an apprentice. The apprenticeship team at the BBC have arranged multiple away days for my apprentice cohort to travel to different BBC bases and network with each other, which has helped me feel less isolated.

Overall, my training provider has provided a wide range of modules focusing on different areas of digital and technology solutions, helping me gain experience. However, my Practice Tutor (a representative from my university who supports me directly) has changed multiple times, and often different Practice Tutors have given different advice when it comes to creating evidence to meet KSBs. This miscommunication has been challenging especially in my final year.

At time I have struggled to see the direct correlation between my qualification and the work I do in a day-to-day basis. Only 1 or two each year have been software engineering focused, because the qualification is for 'Digital and Technology Solutions', meaning some modules have been focused on training for roles such as Network Engineers, Cyber Security Analyst and Data Analyst. I found these modules harder to stay motivated to complete but has also helped me gain limited experience in these roles.

Yes

The BBC is a really nice place to work, everyone I've met has been kind and willing to help me, especially since I'm an apprentice. The work we do as software engineers specifically at the BBC is fun, interesting and you get to see the effects in the real world.