Software Engineer Apprentice Review
at The AA
Degree Apprenticeship
Computer Science, Data Analysis, Front-end Development, Information Technology, Software Engineering, UX/UI Design
Basingstoke
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.6 /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
4.4/5
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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 Software Engineer Degree Apprentice working within a software engineering team at The AA. My role involves supporting the development, testing, investigation and maintenance of internal tools, services and systems used across the business. On a day-to-day basis, I work on a mixture of development and support tasks, including contributing to internal tooling, investigating technical issues, reviewing system requests and responses, supporting testing in lower environments, and helping validate changes. I also work closely with experienced engineers to learn how systems are built, integrated and maintained. Alongside this, I balance my apprenticeship and university work, applying my learning to real engineering tasks.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy my programme because it gives me the opportunity to learn software engineering while gaining practical experience in a real business environment.
I enjoy being able to apply what I learn through my degree to my day-to-day work, particularly when investigating technical issues, understanding how systems interact, and contributing to testing and development tasks. This has helped me build confidence and improve the way I approach problem-solving.
I also value the support I receive from my team, as I am able to learn from experienced engineers and gradually take on more responsibility. The programme has helped me grow both technically and professionally, and I feel it is giving me a strong foundation for a long-term career in software engineering.
I enjoy being able to apply what I learn through my degree to my day-to-day work, particularly when investigating technical issues, understanding how systems interact, and contributing to testing and development tasks. This has helped me build confidence and improve the way I approach problem-solving.
I also value the support I receive from my team, as I am able to learn from experienced engineers and gradually take on more responsibility. The programme has helped me grow both technically and professionally, and I feel it is giving me a strong foundation for a long-term career in software engineering.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have developed both technical and professional skills throughout the programme. Technically, I have improved my understanding of software development, internal tooling, testing, debugging, and how systems interact. I have also become more confident investigating issues, analysing data, and communicating my findings clearly. Alongside this, I have improved my problem-solving, time management and confidence, especially when balancing workplace tasks with university work.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme is generally well structured, with a good balance between work-based learning and academic study. There are clear expectations, although at times balancing deadlines with work tasks can be challenging.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive strong support from my employer. My team are approachable, helpful, and willing to give guidance when needed, which has helped me build confidence in my role.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I receive good support from my training provider through sessions, resources and guidance towards my qualification. There is support available when needed, although some areas can require independent follow-up.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
My qualification helps me build a stronger understanding of software engineering principles, and I am able to apply many of these concepts to my role. Overall, it supports my development and helps me perform better at work.
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
There are many opportunities to get involved in wider workplace activities, including social, professional and networking opportunities.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend The AA to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend The AA to a friend because I have had a positive experience as an apprentice. I have felt supported by my team, been given opportunities to learn and develop, and have been able to gain real workplace experience alongside my qualification which will assist in my career progression.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to The AA?
My advice would be to be open to learning, ask questions, and take every opportunity to get involved and network. It is also important to stay organised, especially when balancing work and study, and to make the most of the support available from your team.
