Apprentice Software Engineer Review
at Arm
Degree Apprenticeship
Software Engineering
Manchester
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.8 /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
4.6/5
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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:
5/5
The day-to-day responsibilities of the apprenticeship vary depending on the team placement. Apprentices rotate teams approximately every 12 months, which provides flexibility and the opportunity to apply for teams that align with their interests and career goals.
Typical responsibilities may include writing and maintaining tests, developing software and web applications, supporting build infrastructure, contributing to CI/CD processes, and writing scripts. As Arm is a hardware design company with a broad software ecosystem, apprentices may also have opportunities to work on lower-level technologies such as compilers, the Linux kernel, performance libraries, machine learning, and GPU software.
Overall, the apprenticeship offers a wide variety of software engineering experiences across different areas of the business. The usual structure involves working within an Arm team for four days per week, with one day allocated as a university study day. During this study day, apprentices attend online lectures with their degree provider, complete assignments, and work towards a full degree qualification.
Typical responsibilities may include writing and maintaining tests, developing software and web applications, supporting build infrastructure, contributing to CI/CD processes, and writing scripts. As Arm is a hardware design company with a broad software ecosystem, apprentices may also have opportunities to work on lower-level technologies such as compilers, the Linux kernel, performance libraries, machine learning, and GPU software.
Overall, the apprenticeship offers a wide variety of software engineering experiences across different areas of the business. The usual structure involves working within an Arm team for four days per week, with one day allocated as a university study day. During this study day, apprentices attend online lectures with their degree provider, complete assignments, and work towards a full degree qualification.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoy the programme because it offers a broad range of experience through team rotations, giving apprentices exposure to different technologies, projects, and ways of working.
The learning environment is excellent, with access to many resources such as online courses, libraries, workplace materials, and support from experienced colleagues. Working alongside highly skilled engineers creates a strong environment for technical and professional development.
There is also a real sense of community, with apprentice-led learning sessions, apprenticeship events, socials, and opportunities to connect with interns, graduates, and other apprentices.
One of the strongest aspects of the programme is its flexibility. It supports apprentices with different levels of prior experience and allows time to settle in, learn, and develop at an appropriate pace. This flexibility also helps with balancing university work, particularly around assignment deadlines.
At the same time, there are plenty of opportunities to take on challenging and meaningful work. Overall, the programme has been a highly valuable and enjoyable experience, and I would strongly recommend it.
The learning environment is excellent, with access to many resources such as online courses, libraries, workplace materials, and support from experienced colleagues. Working alongside highly skilled engineers creates a strong environment for technical and professional development.
There is also a real sense of community, with apprentice-led learning sessions, apprenticeship events, socials, and opportunities to connect with interns, graduates, and other apprentices.
One of the strongest aspects of the programme is its flexibility. It supports apprentices with different levels of prior experience and allows time to settle in, learn, and develop at an appropriate pace. This flexibility also helps with balancing university work, particularly around assignment deadlines.
At the same time, there are plenty of opportunities to take on challenging and meaningful work. Overall, the programme has been a highly valuable and enjoyable experience, and I would strongly recommend it.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have developed a wide range of new technical and professional skills through the variety of work and annual team rotations.
Before joining Arm, my technical background was mainly in web development. Since then, I have gained experience in areas such as DevOps, CI/CD, build infrastructure, hardware-facing tools, internal web applications, scripting, and automated testing. I have also worked with languages including TypeScript, Python, and Java, and I am currently learning more about software architecture and design through work on a VS Code extension.
The programme has also given me a broader understanding of how Arm operates as a company. Working across different areas has exposed me to teams focused on performance analysis tools, developer platforms, data engineering, dashboards, data pipelines, and data science. This has helped me better understand where my interests and strengths lie, as well as the areas I want to continue improving.
Alongside technical development, I have improved my problem-solving, resilience, communication, and teamwork skills. Arm’s collaborative environment has helped me become more confident working with others and solving problems as part of a team. Overall, both my technical and soft skills have developed significantly.
Before joining Arm, my technical background was mainly in web development. Since then, I have gained experience in areas such as DevOps, CI/CD, build infrastructure, hardware-facing tools, internal web applications, scripting, and automated testing. I have also worked with languages including TypeScript, Python, and Java, and I am currently learning more about software architecture and design through work on a VS Code extension.
The programme has also given me a broader understanding of how Arm operates as a company. Working across different areas has exposed me to teams focused on performance analysis tools, developer platforms, data engineering, dashboards, data pipelines, and data science. This has helped me better understand where my interests and strengths lie, as well as the areas I want to continue improving.
Alongside technical development, I have improved my problem-solving, resilience, communication, and teamwork skills. Arm’s collaborative environment has helped me become more confident working with others and solving problems as part of a team. Overall, both my technical and soft skills have developed significantly.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is well organised and well structured, with strong support from the Early Careers team, apprenticeship management, and the teams that host apprentices. Together, these groups help create a clear structure and a supportive culture around the programme.
The annual rotation model is a key part of this structure and is one of the strongest aspects of the apprenticeship. It allows apprentices to gain varied experience while still having a clear framework for progression and development.
Across the programme, I have found the support from Arm to be excellent. I have not experienced any major issues during my time on the apprenticeship, which reflects how well the scheme is managed. Apprentices are treated as full-time employees and have access to a wide range of support and benefits, including IT support, wellbeing resources, health checks, desk assessments, and other employee benefits where available.
Overall, the programme is very well managed, supportive, and structured in a way that helps apprentices develop confidently throughout their placements.
The annual rotation model is a key part of this structure and is one of the strongest aspects of the apprenticeship. It allows apprentices to gain varied experience while still having a clear framework for progression and development.
Across the programme, I have found the support from Arm to be excellent. I have not experienced any major issues during my time on the apprenticeship, which reflects how well the scheme is managed. Apprentices are treated as full-time employees and have access to a wide range of support and benefits, including IT support, wellbeing resources, health checks, desk assessments, and other employee benefits where available.
Overall, the programme is very well managed, supportive, and structured in a way that helps apprentices develop confidently throughout their placements.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
The support available on the programme is extensive and flexible, depending on what each apprentice needs. There are many different points of contact, including colleagues, line managers, industrial tutors, the apprenticeship manager, and wider HR support.
The industrial tutor provides workplace-based guidance and career support, particularly in relation to development within Arm. They are also available to discuss any concerns around work, progression, university commitments, or general wellbeing.
The apprenticeship manager provides strong support for anything related to the apprenticeship scheme itself, while the university also offers support through a university coach, module tutors, and the award lead for the degree programme.
In addition to formal support, there is also a strong informal network through other apprentices, graduates, and interns. Overall, the programme provides a wide and reliable support network, allowing apprentices to access as much or as little support as they need.
The industrial tutor provides workplace-based guidance and career support, particularly in relation to development within Arm. They are also available to discuss any concerns around work, progression, university commitments, or general wellbeing.
The apprenticeship manager provides strong support for anything related to the apprenticeship scheme itself, while the university also offers support through a university coach, module tutors, and the award lead for the degree programme.
In addition to formal support, there is also a strong informal network through other apprentices, graduates, and interns. Overall, the programme provides a wide and reliable support network, allowing apprentices to access as much or as little support as they need.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The training provider is supportive and well intentioned, with a clear effort made to help apprentices succeed. Each apprentice is assigned a tutor, and there are additional support networks available through the university, including module teams, wellbeing services, safeguarding teams, and student communication platforms.
As with any large university, guidance is not always perfect, and apprentices sometimes need to be proactive in seeking clarification or support. Given that the programme combines a full degree with a full-time paid role, it is important to take responsibility for managing university work and asking for help when needed.
There is also useful peer support available through online platforms, where apprentices can connect with other students on the same degree or cohort, including those from other organisations.
Overall, while the training provider support has not been perfect, it has been very good, and there are several routes available for academic, practical, and wellbeing support.
As with any large university, guidance is not always perfect, and apprentices sometimes need to be proactive in seeking clarification or support. Given that the programme combines a full degree with a full-time paid role, it is important to take responsibility for managing university work and asking for help when needed.
There is also useful peer support available through online platforms, where apprentices can connect with other students on the same degree or cohort, including those from other organisations.
Overall, while the training provider support has not been perfect, it has been very good, and there are several routes available for academic, practical, and wellbeing support.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The qualification provides a broad and solid foundation in software engineering and the wider role of an IT professional. For someone joining the apprenticeship with limited technical experience, the degree offers strong coverage across many important areas of the technology sector.
The course includes technical topics such as software fundamentals, data structures and algorithms, databases, data analysis, networking, software design, and development practices. It also covers professional and organisational areas including agile working, sprint planning, project management, stakeholder engagement, requirements gathering, risk assessment, digital strategy, governance, ethics, sustainability, and social impact.
The degree is academic rather than purely technical, so assessment is not based only on coding ability. It also requires critical analysis, discussion of trade-offs, and the use of academic research to support arguments. While it may not provide extreme technical depth for those with significant prior experience, it does provide a strong breadth of understanding.
Overall, the qualification helps apprentices operate more effectively as engineers by giving them a wider awareness of software development processes, workplace terminology, project delivery, and the responsibilities of an IT practitioner.
The course includes technical topics such as software fundamentals, data structures and algorithms, databases, data analysis, networking, software design, and development practices. It also covers professional and organisational areas including agile working, sprint planning, project management, stakeholder engagement, requirements gathering, risk assessment, digital strategy, governance, ethics, sustainability, and social impact.
The degree is academic rather than purely technical, so assessment is not based only on coding ability. It also requires critical analysis, discussion of trade-offs, and the use of academic research to support arguments. While it may not provide extreme technical depth for those with significant prior experience, it does provide a strong breadth of understanding.
Overall, the qualification helps apprentices operate more effectively as engineers by giving them a wider awareness of software development processes, workplace terminology, project delivery, and the responsibilities of an IT practitioner.
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 extracurricular activities available at work, offering plenty of opportunities to socialise, meet people from different teams, and get involved in the wider company community.
Examples include informal events such as weekly breakfast clubs, board game sessions, music groups, sports teams, presentations, and social activities organised by apprentice or social committees. These events can include meals out, laser quest, go-karting, and other group activities.
There are also volunteering opportunities, such as supporting local charities or environmental projects, as well as family-friendly events held throughout the year. Apprentices can also get involved in wider activities such as hackathons, workplace clubs, and community channels through Slack.
Overall, there is a strong social and community culture, with a wide range of activities available for people with different interests and circumstances.
Examples include informal events such as weekly breakfast clubs, board game sessions, music groups, sports teams, presentations, and social activities organised by apprentice or social committees. These events can include meals out, laser quest, go-karting, and other group activities.
There are also volunteering opportunities, such as supporting local charities or environmental projects, as well as family-friendly events held throughout the year. Apprentices can also get involved in wider activities such as hackathons, workplace clubs, and community channels through Slack.
Overall, there is a strong social and community culture, with a wide range of activities available for people with different interests and circumstances.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Arm to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend the programme because it offers an excellent combination of financial support, academic study, and practical work experience. Apprentices earn a competitive salary while completing a fully funded degree, which makes the programme a strong route into the technology sector.
The on-the-job learning is particularly valuable. Apprentices work on real projects within Arm and are supported by highly experienced colleagues, which provides meaningful exposure to professional software engineering in a leading technology company.
A key strength of the programme is that apprentices are embedded within teams and are given opportunities to contribute actively, rather than being limited to minor or isolated tasks. There is scope to take on responsibility, build technical depth, develop professionally, and grow in confidence over time.
Overall, the programme provides an exceptional opportunity to learn, contribute, and develop within a highly respected organisation, and I would strongly recommend it.
The on-the-job learning is particularly valuable. Apprentices work on real projects within Arm and are supported by highly experienced colleagues, which provides meaningful exposure to professional software engineering in a leading technology company.
A key strength of the programme is that apprentices are embedded within teams and are given opportunities to contribute actively, rather than being limited to minor or isolated tasks. There is scope to take on responsibility, build technical depth, develop professionally, and grow in confidence over time.
Overall, the programme provides an exceptional opportunity to learn, contribute, and develop within a highly respected organisation, and I would strongly recommend it.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Arm?
My advice to applicants would be to first understand the apprenticeship they are applying for and consider whether it is the right fit for them. Arm offers a range of apprenticeship routes, including software engineering, data analysis, DevOps, hardware, and electrical engineering, so it is important to choose a pathway that aligns with your interests and career goals.
For the software engineering route, I would recommend asking yourself whether you genuinely enjoy software engineering and can see it as a future career. It is also important to consider the commitment required for the degree. Although apprentices are given one study day per week, additional time may be needed during evenings or weekends, particularly around assignment deadlines.
For the interview process, my advice would be to be yourself and speak openly about your interests. If you are passionate about programming, engineering, problem-solving, or technology more broadly, let that come through. Interviewers are not necessarily looking for extensive prior experience or deep technical knowledge; they are looking for enthusiasm, curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a positive attitude.
Much of the technical knowledge can be taught through the degree and workplace experience, so applicants should focus on showing their motivation, interest, and readiness to get involved.
For the software engineering route, I would recommend asking yourself whether you genuinely enjoy software engineering and can see it as a future career. It is also important to consider the commitment required for the degree. Although apprentices are given one study day per week, additional time may be needed during evenings or weekends, particularly around assignment deadlines.
For the interview process, my advice would be to be yourself and speak openly about your interests. If you are passionate about programming, engineering, problem-solving, or technology more broadly, let that come through. Interviewers are not necessarily looking for extensive prior experience or deep technical knowledge; they are looking for enthusiasm, curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a positive attitude.
Much of the technical knowledge can be taught through the degree and workplace experience, so applicants should focus on showing their motivation, interest, and readiness to get involved.
