Application Developer Review
at IBM
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering
London
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 am a consultant working as a consultant for HMRC on the CDS system. My day to day job involves leading certain areas of the SDLC for a group of components known as the export components. I lead the performance testing and tuning of our applications to ensure they are performant and also in general across the SDLC doing whatever it takes across many disciplines to ensure that a component makes in into production for a given release.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy working overall not only at CDS but also at IBM. It continuosly challenges me and forces me to learn in a practical way which I enjoy. I also really enjoy the people they put up with my endless questions and support me with whatever i need.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Testing
Automation
Devops
Performance Testing
Performance Tuning
AI LLM Training
Complex Python skills
Basic Java Skills
Design Thinking
Architecture practices
Automation
Devops
Performance Testing
Performance Tuning
AI LLM Training
Complex Python skills
Basic Java Skills
Design Thinking
Architecture practices
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is very organised. There is a clear learning plan and structured guidance sessions. The exams are well spread out and enough support is given.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I recieve plenty of support regarding the apprenticeshiop but also any general questions I have and need.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
The training provider was very useful especially when training and then when support was required for questions.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The qualification helped form my basis for testing which has helped get to grips early with the way enterprise testing worked and then progress that understanding to other disciplines.
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
I am a part of the people work stream. This is a stream dedicated to any people related events within the QE practice for example surveys, guidances, promotion guidance and so on. I am also part of the sales work stream dealing with support to partners for their bids and proposals for contracts.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend IBM to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Its a great environment and really promotes learning new skills.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?
Show as many soft skills as you can or give examples where you have shown said skill. I.E. where you shoed leadership. During any assesment centres ensure you take part fully and contribute as much as you can whilst making sure everyones is taking part.
