Application Developer Review
at IBM
Degree Apprenticeship
Information Technology
Manchester
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.4 /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!
4/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4.6/5
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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
I work on a ServiceNow implementation project for BAE Systems, contributing to the SecOps (Security Operations) workstream. My primary responsibility is testing user stories to ensure functionality meets requirements and is delivered to a high standard. Alongside testing, I have also begun developing my technical skills by supporting development tasks.
On a day-to-day basis, I participate in Agile ceremonies such as daily stand-ups, where I provide updates on completed work and planned tasks. I manage my workload using a virtual task board, picking up stories and tasks aligned with sprint priorities. I collaborate closely with team members through regular check-ins and progress meetings, and I actively shadow developers to deepen my understanding of the platform and build hands-on development experience.
On a day-to-day basis, I participate in Agile ceremonies such as daily stand-ups, where I provide updates on completed work and planned tasks. I manage my workload using a virtual task board, picking up stories and tasks aligned with sprint priorities. I collaborate closely with team members through regular check-ins and progress meetings, and I actively shadow developers to deepen my understanding of the platform and build hands-on development experience.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy my degree apprenticeship programme to a great extent. It has given me the opportunity to meet knowledgeable and experienced professionals, which has been invaluable for my personal and professional development. I’ve worked on a range of projects where I’ve been able to contribute positively and see the impact of my work.
The university aspect provides a good level of challenge, helping me continuously develop my skills and understanding, while the support from my managers has been very encouraging. Overall, the combination of practical experience and academic learning makes the programme both rewarding and engaging.
The university aspect provides a good level of challenge, helping me continuously develop my skills and understanding, while the support from my managers has been very encouraging. Overall, the combination of practical experience and academic learning makes the programme both rewarding and engaging.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Yes, I have developed a wide range of new skills throughout my apprenticeship. As I started with no prior technical background, all of the technical skills I’ve gained have been completely new to me.
I’ve built foundational knowledge across several areas, including coding, data analysis, business analysis, cloud technologies, and working with spreadsheets and dashboards. This exposure has allowed me to explore different aspects of the tech field and develop a well-rounded skill set.
In addition to learning new skills, I’ve also improved my ability to adapt quickly, solve problems, and apply my knowledge in real project environments.
I’ve built foundational knowledge across several areas, including coding, data analysis, business analysis, cloud technologies, and working with spreadsheets and dashboards. This exposure has allowed me to explore different aspects of the tech field and develop a well-rounded skill set.
In addition to learning new skills, I’ve also improved my ability to adapt quickly, solve problems, and apply my knowledge in real project environments.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is quite well organised and structured. There is a clear framework in place that balances both the work-based learning and the academic side, which helps me stay on track with my development.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a high level of support from my employer. They have consistently been understanding, approachable, and willing to help whenever needed. Whether it’s guidance on day-to-day tasks, support with learning new skills, or flexibility around university commitments, I feel well supported in all aspects of the programme.
This supportive environment has made it easier for me to grow in confidence, develop my abilities, and make the most of both the practical and academic elements of the apprenticeship.
This supportive environment has made it easier for me to grow in confidence, develop my abilities, and make the most of both the practical and academic elements of the apprenticeship.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I receive a high level of support from my training provider. My skills coach holds a formal review with me every 12 weeks, where we track my progress and set goals. In addition to this, they check in with me more regularly, which helps me stay on track and address any challenges early.
They are very friendly, approachable, and understanding, and always provide helpful, practical advice. This ongoing support has been really valuable in helping me work towards my qualifications with confidence.
They are very friendly, approachable, and understanding, and always provide helpful, practical advice. This ongoing support has been really valuable in helping me work towards my qualifications with confidence.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I feel that my qualification supports my performance in my role to a good extent. It provides me with the underlying knowledge and theory behind the work I do, which helps me better understand tasks and the wider context of projects.
For example, areas such as business analysis, data handling, and technical concepts have helped me become more confident when testing user stories and working within a technical team. I’m able to understand requirements more clearly and communicate more effectively with developers.
While most of my practical skills are developed on the job, the qualification reinforces my learning and helps me apply a more structured and informed approach to my work.
For example, areas such as business analysis, data handling, and technical concepts have helped me become more confident when testing user stories and working within a technical team. I’m able to understand requirements more clearly and communicate more effectively with developers.
While most of my practical skills are developed on the job, the qualification reinforces my learning and helps me apply a more structured and informed approach to my 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.)
4/5
Yes, there are a variety of extra-curricular activities available to get involved in at work. These include both professional and social events that take place during and outside of office hours.
For example, there are roundtables, hackathons, and talks that support learning and networking, as well as more informal activities such as team meals and walks. These opportunities make it easy to connect with colleagues, build relationships, and develop both professionally and socially.
For example, there are roundtables, hackathons, and talks that support learning and networking, as well as more informal activities such as team meals and walks. These opportunities make it easy to connect with colleagues, build relationships, and develop both professionally and socially.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend IBM to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend IBM to a friend because it offers a supportive and inclusive working environment with great opportunities for learning and development. As a global organisation, it provides exposure to a wide range of projects and technologies, which is ideal for building experience and developing new skills.
The culture is collaborative, and there are many knowledgeable professionals to learn from, which has really helped me grow. There is also strong support for career progression, as well as flexibility to balance work and study, which is particularly valuable as an apprentice.
Overall, it’s a great place to gain hands-on experience while being supported in both your professional and personal development.
The culture is collaborative, and there are many knowledgeable professionals to learn from, which has really helped me grow. There is also strong support for career progression, as well as flexibility to balance work and study, which is particularly valuable as an apprentice.
Overall, it’s a great place to gain hands-on experience while being supported in both your professional and personal development.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?
My main advice for anyone applying to IBM would be to be yourself and approach the process with confidence. It’s important to research the company well so you understand its values, work, and culture, as this will help you stand out and show genuine interest.
I would also recommend making the most of your soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These are highly valued and can be just as important as technical skills, especially if you’re applying without a strong technical background.
Overall, being authentic, prepared, and confident can make a big difference throughout the application process.
I would also recommend making the most of your soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These are highly valued and can be just as important as technical skills, especially if you’re applying without a strong technical background.
Overall, being authentic, prepared, and confident can make a big difference throughout the application process.
