Senior Software Developer Review
at Department for Education
Degree Apprenticeship
Government, Software Engineering
Newcastle upon Tyne
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
3 /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!
3/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
2.8/5
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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:
4/5
My role is exciting and dynamic, but I am very stretched in my role. There is little time for development given the fast paced nature and the level of responsibility I now have to guide others and lead on technical and digital products
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
2/5
I found it interesting and it certainly developed my abilities. However I felt the support and quality of the course and its structure to be quite poor. Particularly the in-person bootcamps were less than impressive.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
developed my existing skills and learned some new concepts in software engineering and the other roles I typically work with in my day-to-day role for instance business analysts, product managers, project managers, delivery managers etc.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
There was a structure in the form of a timeline, but the ordering of these courses seemed odd.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
At times I was given the time I needed, but I had to demand it. This was ultimately due to getting promoted twice during my degree apprenticeship and gaining a lot more responsibility. Therefore, as my role developed I had less free 'work' time to put into my apprenticeship and increasingly had to rely upon my own time.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Just e-learning, the online monthly calls simply discussed the requirements of each assignment, therefore there was no learning.
Even the bootcamps were to just follow virtual lessons with the occasional lecture. Which often came from other students.
Even the bootcamps were to just follow virtual lessons with the occasional lecture. Which often came from other students.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
Some aspects of the apprenticeship have improved my knowledge to perform better in my role, for instance learning database fundamentals helped to supplement my knowledge in this area.
However large amounts of it felt that I was regurgitating concepts I already know and understand deeply.
However large amounts of it felt that I was regurgitating concepts I already know and understand deeply.
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
Not really, I work in a small office currently. There are many networks within the DfE but I find these simply take up even more time from my role and increase the workload.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Department for Education to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The organisation is a good place to work and develop a real career. There are plenty of opportunities to get promoted within the department or gain quality experience to get promotions in other departments, if you apply yourself.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Department for Education?
Have an genuine interest in the public sector and what it stands for, be proud to be a civil servant and know that you improve peoples lives daily.
