Apprentice Review
at Arm
Degree Apprenticeship
Software Engineering
Cambridge
Review Submitted: May 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
On a day-to-day basis, I work on Jira tickets that involve tasks such as building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines in GitLab, containerising applications using Docker, and deploying services into cloud environments. This includes working with tools like Terraform for infrastructure as code and Kubernetes (EKS) for deploying and managing applications.
I regularly collaborate with my team through daily stand-ups, pair programming sessions, and merge request reviews. This allows me to receive feedback, improve my code quality, and align my work with team standards.
I also spend time troubleshooting and debugging issues, particularly within CI/CD pipelines or deployment environments, which helps me build a deeper understanding of how systems behave across different stages (development, staging, and production).
In addition to technical tasks, I continuously learn and adapt to new tools and processes, as each ticket often introduces new technologies or approaches. This makes my role both challenging and rewarding, as I am constantly developing my technical and collaboration skills.
I regularly collaborate with my team through daily stand-ups, pair programming sessions, and merge request reviews. This allows me to receive feedback, improve my code quality, and align my work with team standards.
I also spend time troubleshooting and debugging issues, particularly within CI/CD pipelines or deployment environments, which helps me build a deeper understanding of how systems behave across different stages (development, staging, and production).
In addition to technical tasks, I continuously learn and adapt to new tools and processes, as each ticket often introduces new technologies or approaches. This makes my role both challenging and rewarding, as I am constantly developing my technical and collaboration skills.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoy my programme to a large extent, as it provides a good balance between structured learning and hands-on experience in a real working environment. I find it particularly rewarding being able to apply what I learn directly to real tasks, such as working on CI/CD pipelines, containerisation, and cloud-based deployments and utilising my understanding of best practices in terms of security.
One of the aspects I enjoy most is the opportunity to continuously learn new tools and technologies, as each ticket introduces something different. I also value the collaborative environment, where I can engage in pair programming, receive feedback through peer reviews, and learn from more experienced engineers.
There are challenging moments, especially when working with unfamiliar tools or complex systems, but I see these as opportunities to grow rather than barriers. Overall, the programme has been both engaging and beneficial for my development, and I feel it is helping me build a strong foundation for a career in DevOps.
One of the aspects I enjoy most is the opportunity to continuously learn new tools and technologies, as each ticket introduces something different. I also value the collaborative environment, where I can engage in pair programming, receive feedback through peer reviews, and learn from more experienced engineers.
There are challenging moments, especially when working with unfamiliar tools or complex systems, but I see these as opportunities to grow rather than barriers. Overall, the programme has been both engaging and beneficial for my development, and I feel it is helping me build a strong foundation for a career in DevOps.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, I have learned several new skills and further developed existing ones throughout my programme. I have significantly improved my understanding of CI/CD pipelines, particularly using GitLab, which is a tool I learned to use during my apprenticeship. I have developed the ability to configure pipelines, work with variables, and automate tasks within the pipeline. I have also learned how to test individual jobs locally before running the full pipeline, which has helped improve efficiency and debugging.
I have also developed new technical skills in containerisation using Docker and gained exposure to Kubernetes for deploying applications into cloud environments. In addition, I have strengthened my knowledge of infrastructure as code by using Terraform to provision and manage cloud resources.
Alongside technical skills, I have developed my collaboration skills through pair programming and peer review sessions. These experiences have improved my ability to communicate technical ideas, receive feedback, and work effectively within a team. I have also observed how new services are demonstrated within the team, and I am looking forward to presenting a service I have developed.
Overall, I feel I have made strong progress in both my technical and professional skill set, and I continue to build on this with each task I complete.
I have also developed new technical skills in containerisation using Docker and gained exposure to Kubernetes for deploying applications into cloud environments. In addition, I have strengthened my knowledge of infrastructure as code by using Terraform to provision and manage cloud resources.
Alongside technical skills, I have developed my collaboration skills through pair programming and peer review sessions. These experiences have improved my ability to communicate technical ideas, receive feedback, and work effectively within a team. I have also observed how new services are demonstrated within the team, and I am looking forward to presenting a service I have developed.
Overall, I feel I have made strong progress in both my technical and professional skill set, and I continue to build on this with each task I complete.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Overall, I find my programme to be well organised and structured. The combination of structured learning through the apprenticeship platform and hands-on experience within my role provides a clear pathway for development.
The programme is supported by weekly 1:1 meetings with my manager, regular check-ins with my apprentice coach, learning modules, and defined tasks, which help maintain direction and ensure steady progress. The use of tools such as Jira also helps structure my day-to-day work, as tasks are clearly defined and prioritised.
There are times when balancing off-the-job learning with workplace responsibilities can be challenging, particularly when managing deadlines alongside learning requirements. However, a useful tip from my team was to dedicate specific time to portfolio work. This has helped me stay organised by ensuring I regularly take notes and review how my tasks align with my portfolio.
Overall, the structure of the programme supports both technical and professional development, while still allowing flexibility to learn and adapt within a real working environment.
The programme is supported by weekly 1:1 meetings with my manager, regular check-ins with my apprentice coach, learning modules, and defined tasks, which help maintain direction and ensure steady progress. The use of tools such as Jira also helps structure my day-to-day work, as tasks are clearly defined and prioritised.
There are times when balancing off-the-job learning with workplace responsibilities can be challenging, particularly when managing deadlines alongside learning requirements. However, a useful tip from my team was to dedicate specific time to portfolio work. This has helped me stay organised by ensuring I regularly take notes and review how my tasks align with my portfolio.
Overall, the structure of the programme supports both technical and professional development, while still allowing flexibility to learn and adapt within a real working environment.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I feel that I receive a good level of support from my employer. I have regular 1:1 meetings with my manager, where I can discuss my progress, ask questions, and get guidance on my tasks. I also have support from my mentor and team members, who are approachable and willing to help when I encounter challenges.
In addition, I receive support through pair programming sessions and merge request reviews, which provide valuable feedback and help me improve both my technical skills and understanding of team standards. This has been particularly helpful when working with new tools or unfamiliar tasks.
My employer also supports my development by encouraging learning alongside my day-to-day work, allowing me to take time for training and portfolio tasks. This balance helps me apply what I learn directly to real work.
Overall, I feel well supported both technically and professionally, which has helped me build confidence and progress in my role.
In addition, I receive support through pair programming sessions and merge request reviews, which provide valuable feedback and help me improve both my technical skills and understanding of team standards. This has been particularly helpful when working with new tools or unfamiliar tasks.
My employer also supports my development by encouraging learning alongside my day-to-day work, allowing me to take time for training and portfolio tasks. This balance helps me apply what I learn directly to real work.
Overall, I feel well supported both technically and professionally, which has helped me build confidence and progress in my role.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I feel that I receive a good level of support from my training provider. I have regular check ins with my apprentice coach, where I can discuss my progress, ask questions, and get guidance on my portfolio and the requirements to attain my qualification. These sessions help ensure I stay on track and understand what is expected for my assessments.
The learning materials provided through the Makers platform are also helpful, particularly for building foundational knowledge and supporting off-the-job learning. In addition, feedback on submitted work has been useful in helping me understand how to improve the quality and structure of my portfolio evidence.
There are times where I need to supplement the learning with my own research, particularly for more technical topics, but overall the support provided helps guide my development and keeps me aligned with my qualification goals.
The learning materials provided through the Makers platform are also helpful, particularly for building foundational knowledge and supporting off-the-job learning. In addition, feedback on submitted work has been useful in helping me understand how to improve the quality and structure of my portfolio evidence.
There are times where I need to supplement the learning with my own research, particularly for more technical topics, but overall the support provided helps guide my development and keeps me aligned with my qualification goals.
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 my qualification supports my performance in my role to a good extent. The structured learning provided through the training platform helps build a strong foundation in key concepts, which I can then apply to my day-to-day work.
For example, topics such as CI/CD, collaboration, and professional practices have helped me better understand the work I am doing within my team, particularly when working on pipelines, pair programming, and code reviews. The qualification also encourages reflection, which helps me identify areas for improvement and apply what I have learned more effectively.
However, I have found that some of the more technical aspects of my role require additional self-directed learning, as the training provides a foundation rather than in-depth coverage. This has encouraged me to take greater ownership of my development and explore topics further through independent research and practical application during my dedicated portfolio days.
Overall, the qualification complements my role by providing structure and guidance, while my work allows me to deepen my technical understanding through real world experience.
For example, topics such as CI/CD, collaboration, and professional practices have helped me better understand the work I am doing within my team, particularly when working on pipelines, pair programming, and code reviews. The qualification also encourages reflection, which helps me identify areas for improvement and apply what I have learned more effectively.
However, I have found that some of the more technical aspects of my role require additional self-directed learning, as the training provides a foundation rather than in-depth coverage. This has encouraged me to take greater ownership of my development and explore topics further through independent research and practical application during my dedicated portfolio days.
Overall, the qualification complements my role by providing structure and guidance, while my work allows me to deepen my technical understanding through real world experience.
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 a range of extra-curricular activities available within my workplace, which support both social interaction and professional networking.
For example, the apprentice social club organises weekly events such as networking sessions, server tours, arts and crafts activities, and bowling. These provide opportunities to connect with other apprentices and colleagues outside of day-to-day work.
Another event I attended was a collaboration with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team to celebrate International Women’s Day. The event focused on diversity, leadership, and career development. Experiences like this allow me to learn from others’ journeys, build my professional network, and gain confidence as a new starter in the tech industry.
In addition, there are employee resource groups such as Women@Arm, which provide a supportive community and create opportunities to engage in discussions around inclusion, career growth, and networking.
There are also larger events such as the Cambridge Foosball Tournament and the Cambridge Dragon Boat Racing Festival, as well as seasonal social events throughout the year. These activities encourage teamwork, help build relationships across different teams, and create a more engaging and fun work environment.
There are many more activities available, and I am looking forward to becoming more involved in them to further build relationships and confidence within the workplace.
For example, the apprentice social club organises weekly events such as networking sessions, server tours, arts and crafts activities, and bowling. These provide opportunities to connect with other apprentices and colleagues outside of day-to-day work.
Another event I attended was a collaboration with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team to celebrate International Women’s Day. The event focused on diversity, leadership, and career development. Experiences like this allow me to learn from others’ journeys, build my professional network, and gain confidence as a new starter in the tech industry.
In addition, there are employee resource groups such as Women@Arm, which provide a supportive community and create opportunities to engage in discussions around inclusion, career growth, and networking.
There are also larger events such as the Cambridge Foosball Tournament and the Cambridge Dragon Boat Racing Festival, as well as seasonal social events throughout the year. These activities encourage teamwork, help build relationships across different teams, and create a more engaging and fun work environment.
There are many more activities available, and I am looking forward to becoming more involved in them to further build relationships and confidence within the workplace.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Arm to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Yes, I would recommend Arm to a friend. It provides a supportive and collaborative working environment, particularly for someone starting their career in technology. I have found that there are plenty of opportunities to learn, whether through hands-on work, mentorship, or structured training, which has helped me develop both technically and professionally.
The team culture encourages collaboration through practices such as pair programming, code reviews, AMAs, and regular feedback, which makes it easier to learn from more experienced engineers. I also value the exposure to modern tools and technologies there is always something new to learn at Arm, and I am continuously encouraged to grow.
There is also strong encouragement to collaborate with other teams and departments, which provides opportunities to learn from different areas of the business and apply new ideas to my day-to-day work or life.
You're never short of learning something new at ARM. I don't feel like there is anything blocking me from growing here at ARM.
In addition, my wellbeing is always prioritised, with access to resources such as on site facilities (e.g. gym) and a supportive work environment. Arm also offers a range of extra-curricular activities and networking opportunities, which help me build relationships and confidence within the workplace.
Overall, I believe it is a great place to grow, gain experience, and build a strong career.
The team culture encourages collaboration through practices such as pair programming, code reviews, AMAs, and regular feedback, which makes it easier to learn from more experienced engineers. I also value the exposure to modern tools and technologies there is always something new to learn at Arm, and I am continuously encouraged to grow.
There is also strong encouragement to collaborate with other teams and departments, which provides opportunities to learn from different areas of the business and apply new ideas to my day-to-day work or life.
You're never short of learning something new at ARM. I don't feel like there is anything blocking me from growing here at ARM.
In addition, my wellbeing is always prioritised, with access to resources such as on site facilities (e.g. gym) and a supportive work environment. Arm also offers a range of extra-curricular activities and networking opportunities, which help me build relationships and confidence within the workplace.
Overall, I believe it is a great place to grow, gain experience, and build a strong career.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Arm?
I would advise applicants to be curious, proactive, and open to learning. Arm is a fast-paced environment where you are constantly exposed to new tools and technologies, so having a willingness to learn and adapt is very important.
It is also helpful to have a basic understanding of key concepts in the career you apply for, as these are commonly used in the role. However, more importantly, being able to demonstrate your problem-solving approach and how you learn from challenges is just as valuable as technical knowledge.
I would also recommend being confident in asking questions and engaging with others. Collaboration is a big part of the culture at Arm, so showing that you can work well in a team and are open to feedback will help you succeed.
Finally, take advantage of opportunities to get involved, whether that’s through learning programmes, networking events, or extra-curricular activities. This will help you build relationships and make the most of your experience at Arm.
It is also helpful to have a basic understanding of key concepts in the career you apply for, as these are commonly used in the role. However, more importantly, being able to demonstrate your problem-solving approach and how you learn from challenges is just as valuable as technical knowledge.
I would also recommend being confident in asking questions and engaging with others. Collaboration is a big part of the culture at Arm, so showing that you can work well in a team and are open to feedback will help you succeed.
Finally, take advantage of opportunities to get involved, whether that’s through learning programmes, networking events, or extra-curricular activities. This will help you build relationships and make the most of your experience at Arm.
