Full Stack Engineer Review
at IBM
Degree Apprenticeship
Software Engineering
Manchester
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
I work as a Degree Apprentice Software Engineer, so day to day I’m involved in building and improving software as part of a team. This usually includes things like coding, fixing bugs, testing, attending standups and meetings, and working with other developers, designers, analysts and project managers to get work done. A big part of my role is also learning on the job, picking up new technical skills, and applying what I learn at university to real projects. It’s a mix of hands-on development, teamwork, problem-solving and continuous learning.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy the programme because it gives me the chance to get proper industry experience while also working towards my degree. I’ve been able to build my technical skills, grow in confidence, and learn how to work professionally in a real team. It’s challenging at times, but overall it’s been really valuable and rewarding.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, definitely. Through the programme I’ve learnt a lot of new technical skills and also improved the ones I already had. I’ve had the chance to work with new technologies, tools and ways of working that I wouldn’t have learnt in the same way just from university alone. It’s helped me grow a lot as a developer and become more confident technically. I’ve also developed a lot of people and professional skills as well. Working in a real team has helped me improve my communication, teamwork, time management and problem-solving. I’ve learnt how to work with different people in different roles, how to take on feedback, and how to contribute more confidently in meetings and discussions. Overall, I feel like the programme has helped me grow both technically and personally.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
I think the programme is well organised overall. There’s a clear structure in terms of balancing work and study, and I’ve always had a good idea of what’s expected from me both in my role and in working towards my qualification. It can be busy at times, especially balancing project work with university deadlines, but overall the structure has worked well and has helped me develop consistently.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I feel like I receive a lot of support from my employer. I’ve had the chance to work with experienced people, ask questions, learn from others in the team, and get support when I’ve needed it. I’ve also been given opportunities to grow, take on responsibility, and build my confidence in a professional environment, which has made a big difference to my development.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I feel well supported by Manchester Metropolitan University when working towards my qualifications. They’ve helped provide guidance around assignments, progress reviews, and what I need to do to stay on track. Having that support has been helpful in managing the academic side of the apprenticeship alongside full-time work.
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 a lot with my role because it gives me a stronger understanding of the theory behind what I’m doing in practice. It’s helped me build my technical knowledge, think more critically, and approach work in a more structured and professional way. Being able to apply what I learn through my qualification to real workplace situations has definitely helped me perform better.
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, there are extra-curricular activities available through work, including social activities, networking opportunities, and other events that help people connect outside of their day-to-day roles. I think that’s a really positive part of the experience because it helps build relationships, makes the workplace feel more engaging, and gives people more chances to get involved beyond just their core work.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend IBM to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend IBM to a friend because it’s a really good place to grow professionally and develop a strong mix of technical and people skills. You get the chance to work in a proper professional environment, learn from experienced people, and be involved in meaningful work. It’s also a good place to build confidence, gain real industry experience, and open up future career opportunities.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?
I’d say be yourself and show a genuine willingness to learn. You don’t need to know everything straight away, but it really helps to come across as someone who is curious, motivated, and open to developing. It’s also worth showing that you can communicate well, work with others, and adapt, because those things matter just as much as technical ability. Finally, try to be confident in your own potential and experiences, even if you feel like you still have a lot to learn.
