Solutions Apprentice Review
at Softcat
Degree Apprenticeship
Information Technology
Marlow, Buckinghamshire
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
As a Degree Apprentice currently specializing in Network Engineering, my role is in the pre-sales technical lifecycle. I act as the primary technical point of contact for customers to ensure that our proposed infrastructure solutions are both robust and fit-for-purpose.
Key Responsibilities:
Requirements Scoping: I conduct scoping calls with customers to identify their specific networking needs, evaluating existing infrastructure and defining technical KPIs.
Solution Design: Utilizing the data gathered, I architect bespoke network topologies that align with the customers requirements and budget.
Technical Documentation: I translate this technical designs into formal documents. These serve as the blueprint for our sales team to finalize contracts and for the implementation engineers to follow during deployment.
Continuous Development: I balance four days of technical work with one day of academic study and will further progress into Cyber Security and Connectivity frameworks throughout the course.
Key Responsibilities:
Requirements Scoping: I conduct scoping calls with customers to identify their specific networking needs, evaluating existing infrastructure and defining technical KPIs.
Solution Design: Utilizing the data gathered, I architect bespoke network topologies that align with the customers requirements and budget.
Technical Documentation: I translate this technical designs into formal documents. These serve as the blueprint for our sales team to finalize contracts and for the implementation engineers to follow during deployment.
Continuous Development: I balance four days of technical work with one day of academic study and will further progress into Cyber Security and Connectivity frameworks throughout the course.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I’m really enjoying the programme, especially the practical aspect of learning. I value the structured growth the apprenticeship offers; starting in Networking gives me the right foundation before I move into Cyber and Connectivity.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Since I started with zero technical background, my skill set has grown massively. I’ve gone from having no knowledge of infrastructure to being able to lead scoping calls and design functional networks for customers.
On the technical side, I’ve learned how to map out network requirements and translate them into professional documentation. Just as importantly, I’ve developed my 'soft skills' by learning how to talk to clients and explain technical solutions in a way that helps our sales team. The jump from being non-technical to contributing to live projects has been a huge confidence boost.
On the technical side, I’ve learned how to map out network requirements and translate them into professional documentation. Just as importantly, I’ve developed my 'soft skills' by learning how to talk to clients and explain technical solutions in a way that helps our sales team. The jump from being non-technical to contributing to live projects has been a huge confidence boost.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is exceptionally well-structured. From day one, I was provided with a clear two-year timetable.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a high level of support, which has been vital since I started with a non-technical background. I have a great mentor who reviews my network designs and gives me feedback before they go to the sales team, which has helped me learn the ropes quickly.
Beyond the technical help, the company really respects my boundaries, my study day is treated as a priority, and I’m never expected to take work calls or finish designs when I should be at uni. Extra study time has also never once been denied when requested.
Beyond the technical help, the company really respects my boundaries, my study day is treated as a priority, and I’m never expected to take work calls or finish designs when I should be at uni. Extra study time has also never once been denied when requested.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
The support is very flexible, which is really helpful. We get pre-learning materials to go over before sessions, which is great for getting up to speed at my own pace.
All the lectures are recorded, so I can revisit complex topics whenever I need to, and there’s a dedicated forum where I can get quick answers to any questions
All the lectures are recorded, so I can revisit complex topics whenever I need to, and there’s a dedicated forum where I can get quick answers to any questions
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
It’s been a massive help, especially coming from a non-technical background. The uni side of things gives me the 'why' behind the work I’m doing at my desk. It’s helped me develop my analytical skills, so I can actually make sense of a customer's setup rather than just guessing.
My communication has also improved a lot, I feel way more comfortable explaining things to without getting lost in technical jargon. I also have a much broader field of view so i am not just thinking about my role in tech but I can look at the wider business needs.
My communication has also improved a lot, I feel way more comfortable explaining things to without getting lost in technical jargon. I also have a much broader field of view so i am not just thinking about my role in tech but I can look at the wider business needs.
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’s always something going on, so it’s been easy to settle in. We have everything from food trucks coming to the office to team lunches and parties, which are great for getting to know people in a more relaxed setting. There are also plenty of team-building events that help us work better together. It’s a really social environment for those who want to get involved.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Softcat to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I’d recommend Softcat because they genuinely put people first. Starting here with zero technical background could have been intimidating, but the support has been incredible and I have strong career prospects here.
Beyond the work, it’s just a fun place to be with so many networking events and social opportunities.
Beyond the work, it’s just a fun place to be with so many networking events and social opportunities.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Softcat?
Softcat want to see who you are as a person, so just be honest.
