Senior Software Development Lead Review
at City & Guilds
Level 4/5 Apprenticeship
Information Technology
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 work as a Senior Software Lead with deep technical expertise with technical leadership and people influence.
I am responsible not just for writing excellent code, but for owning technical direction, mentoring engineers, and ensuring delivery of high‑quality software aligned with business goals.
Still codes regularly
Leads through technical authority and decision‑making
Acts as the bridge between engineering, product, and delivery
I am responsible not just for writing excellent code, but for owning technical direction, mentoring engineers, and ensuring delivery of high‑quality software aligned with business goals.
Still codes regularly
Leads through technical authority and decision‑making
Acts as the bridge between engineering, product, and delivery
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoy the Level 5 Leadership Apprenticeship to a great extent. It provides a good balance between theory and practical application, allowing me to reflect on and apply learning to my leadership role. The content is relevant and has helped me build confidence in areas such as decision‑making, influencing, and supporting others. City & Guilds have supported me throughout the programme by providing clear guidance, useful resources, and ongoing support, which has positively contributed to my learning experience. Overall, the programme has been engaging, valuable, and beneficial to my professional development.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, I have developed several existing skills and gained new ones through the L5 Leadership Apprenticeship . I have strengthened my communication and influencing skills, particularly when working with different stakeholders and supporting team members. I have also improved my ability to lead with confidence, make informed decisions, and manage challenges more effectively. The programme has helped me develop a better understanding of leadership styles, motivation, and performance management, which I have been able to apply in my role. Overall, the learning has supported both my personal development and my effectiveness as a leader.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is well organised and clearly structured. The learning materials are laid out in a logical way, with each unit building on the previous one, which makes it easy to follow and understand. Key topics are introduced clearly, and the assessments and deadlines are well communicated. Overall, the structure of the programme has supported my learning and made it manageable alongside my day‑to‑day work commitments.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a high level of support from my employer City & Guilds . They have supported me very well by providing dedicated focus time for my studies and enabling me to attend workshops. In addition, a Personal Development Plan (PDP) was prepared specifically to support the requirements of the programme, which helped align my learning with workplace objectives. I have also been given the freedom to apply the skills and knowledge gained from the programme in my role, which has reinforced my learning and supported my development as a leader.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I receive a good level of support from my training provider while working towards my qualification. My PDE has been supportive throughout the programme, providing timely guidance and responding clearly to any questions I had. The marking process has been well structured, with clear and constructive feedback that helped me understand my strengths and areas for improvement. This support has been valuable in helping me progress confidently through the qualification.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I feel that the qualification, delivered through my training provider, has helped me perform better in my role to a great extent. The learning has been relevant and practical, enabling me to apply new knowledge, tools, and leadership approaches directly in my day‑to‑day work. The guidance and structured feedback provided have helped me reflect on my performance, improve decision‑making, and lead more confidently. Overall, the qualification has strengthened my capability as a leader and positively impacted my effectiveness in my role.
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, I have had opportunities to get involved in extra‑curricular activities at work. I have been able to attend a range of workshops and professional networking events, which have supported my development, helped me build connections, and broadened my understanding of leadership and best practice. These opportunities have added value beyond my day‑to‑day role
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend City & Guilds to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Yes, I would definitely recommend City & Guilds to a friend. They are one of the most employer‑satisfying company . There is a strong focus on flexibility and understanding individual needs, which makes balancing learning with work much easier. City & Guilds promote an empowering learning environment with a strong growth mindset, and I felt comfortable speaking openly and sharing my views throughout the programme. This approach has significantly supported my development and confidence.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to City & Guilds?
My advice to anyone applying to City & Guilds as an employer would be to clearly demonstrate your passion for making a difference and your commitment to learning and growth. Be candid and authentic about your values, experiences, and motivations. It’s important to show that you have the zeal to contribute positively, speak up with confidence, and embrace a growth mindset, as City & Guilds value openness, empowerment, and continuous improvement.
