Apprentice Software Developer Review
at Department for Education
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Computer Science, Data Analysis, Information Technology, Software Engineering
Manchester
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.9 /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
4.8/5
-
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
As an apprentice software developer my role is to create automated solutions to business processes and resolve problems associated with them. I create apps using the Microsoft PowerApps suite of programs. Day to day this would involve creating, editing and manipulating code to build software functionality in our tools, answering queries about existing tools in our offering or squashing bugs.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Working for DfE has been a very positive experience, with excellent resources, knowledgeable professional colleagues willing to share their skills, and a really supportive manager who is also studying an apprenticeship so understands the demands on my time.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have retrained entirely from the ground up for this role, moving from HR into Software Development. I have learned useful skills about putting together apps but I think the most important thing I have learned is around the software development lifecycle and meeting the business needs through software solutions rather than building apps for unclear or poorly defined purposes.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The course itself is well structured, however there is a very clear focus on meeting knowledge skills and behaviour requirements rather than focusing on the organic learning taking place. The "Bootcamp" structure has been very useful for quick, in depth learning but I did find myself struggling to recall information learned later on.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer has been fantastic while supporting me with my apprenticeship. Protected study time, support with essays, wider organisation support with services specifically for apprentices. I have felt very encouraged to commit time and space to my apprenticeship.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I have regular check-ins with my learning mentor and he has been very helpful making sure that my studies remain on the critical path of the apprenticeship.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
Without the basics I have learned at my training provider I would be unable to do my job effectively and a lot of the wider-world context around what we do and why we do it would be lost.
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
N/A
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Department for Education to a friend?
Yes
Why?
They are a great employer and it feels good to be contributing to the continued education of the current and next generation of learners.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Department for Education?
DfE is a Civil Service body, so when applying I would look into guidance on how to apply for a role with the civil service.
