Software Developer Apprentice Review
at Irwin Mitchell
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Software Engineering
Sheffield
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.8 /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
-
Skills Development
4.6/5
-
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 am a Software Developer Apprentice, supporting the design, development, testing, and maintenance of software applications as part of a development team. My role involves writing and maintaining code, fixing bugs, and implementing enhancements while following agreed coding standards and best practices. I work closely with experienced developers and other team members to ensure the software meets both technical and business requirements.
On a day-to-day basis, I take part in activities such as daily stand-ups, planning, code reviews, and retrospectives. I contribute to testing by writing and running unit tests and working with testers to investigate and resolve defects. I use tools such as Azure DevOps to manage tasks, track progress, and collaborate effectively with the team, while continually learning and developing my technical and professional skills through my apprenticeship.
On a day-to-day basis, I take part in activities such as daily stand-ups, planning, code reviews, and retrospectives. I contribute to testing by writing and running unit tests and working with testers to investigate and resolve defects. I use tools such as Azure DevOps to manage tasks, track progress, and collaborate effectively with the team, while continually learning and developing my technical and professional skills through my apprenticeship.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
The programme has been life changing, I have got to work as a Software Engineer and have learnt to work with some incredible technology, the tasks I have been given have corresponded with the level I was at, at that point during my apprenticeship.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have developed both new and existing skills through my role as a Software Developer Apprentice. I have improved my programming ability by writing and maintaining code, fixing defects, and implementing enhancements using established coding standards. I have developed my testing skills by writing and running unit tests and working closely with testers to investigate and resolve issues. In addition, I have strengthened my understanding of Agile ways of working through regular participation in sprint ceremonies and by using tools such as Azure DevOps to manage tasks and track progress. Alongside technical skills, I have also improved my communication, teamwork, and time management skills by collaborating with a multidisciplinary team and balancing development work with learning objectives from my apprenticeship.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme was well organised, I took part in 6 live learning block sessions throughout the duration, started off with Programming principles and actually working with a programming relevant, which was relevant to what I was doing in the workplace, this was the most comprehensive of the live learning blocks, taking a total of two weeks and giving me the advanced knowledge which I was able to develop alongside, specific tailored project work given to me within the workplace.
The following blocks were smaller, lasting 3 days in total but the topics where much more nuanced and we were able to dig down into more detail, QA had some fantastic teachers which took us during these points, we had a good context due to pre-learning before all live learning blocks available via QA's learning hub.
The following blocks were smaller, lasting 3 days in total but the topics where much more nuanced and we were able to dig down into more detail, QA had some fantastic teachers which took us during these points, we had a good context due to pre-learning before all live learning blocks available via QA's learning hub.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I was assigned a mentor as part of the programme, my mentor was very helpful with every stage of the apprenticeship. His knowledge and ability to teach were key in helping me get to the stage of finishing my apprenticehsip.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Regularly met with the apprenticeship provider and had regular learning sessions as mentioned in previous answer.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
Everything we learnt is usable within my job, so very much so.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
There are some, but none are applicable to me.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Irwin Mitchell to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Great place to work, good income and benefits for apprentices, good work culture, the work we do at Irwin Mitchell is helpful to so many people and feels rewarding.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Irwin Mitchell?
Be prepared and research the role.
