Software Engineering Degree Apprentice Review
at CGI
Degree Apprenticeship
Software Engineering
Liverpool
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.4 /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
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Skills Development
4/5
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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
In my role, I develop code as apart of a small team of 2 people. This is primarily done in Java, but across the company we use all sorts of languages. My team has a strong priority on the quality of our code, which has helped me to learn not just all sorts of standards, but also why they are the standard.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Working at CGI has been great, everybody here is very welcoming and is always happy to support. We have a large early careers programme, so there is a good group of people my own age to socialise with too (not that the older guys aren't any less fun!) We also have a sports and social club, which allows us to organise events, (I used to run weekly bouldering) and have these events funded by CGI.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, I have developed a lot. Before joining CGI, I wrote code more as a hobbyist, my code now is written following industry standards. I also have been focusing on following software development methodologies, specifically Agile and DevOps. I have also learnt a lot of soft skills surrounding business which I would not have expected too, I can now more effectively manage my time as well as other peoples expectations. I can explain and reframe problems in ways that non-technical people can follow and understand, and much more!
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Initially when joining there was no software engineering work available for me to work on in the area of the business i had joined, this meant there was a few months where i was doing support work, not software engineering. Other than that everything has been going smoothly.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive all the support I need, I have a mentor as well as my director, who both make sure that everything is as it should be, if I had any more concerns I know that support would be available wherever I look for it.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I have a "Skills Coach" who helps me towards achieving the actual qualifications, rather than just the job, If i needed anything i could contact him.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
I personally learn a lot more on the job than in university, for me it tends to be the other way around. The skills that I learn by just doing my job help me to complete my Uni assignments, which works for me because I am not a big fan of lectures.
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! Like i previously mentioned we have the sports and social club, anyone can propose an event and as long as you have 4 CGI partners attending, then CGI will fund some, if not all of the costs. This can be anything small from a cinema trip, to a weekend skiing trip! The more expensive events tend to require some payment, but it is a large discount than if you where to do it yourself.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend CGI to a friend?
Yes
Why?
CGI is a very supportive and friendly environment, and has allowed me to develop my skillset and meet great people that I never would have anywhere else!
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to CGI?
People say this a lot... but just be yourself, and smile! Once I had joined I managed to speak to the person who conducted my interview who said to me "You just seemed so happy to be there, how could I say no!" So just breathe, and don't be shy to show your real personality!
