Apprenticeships for all
Dipa is currently undertaking a level 4 DevOps Engineering apprenticeship in the Data Platforms team within Hybrid Cloud Services. Dipa joined DWP Digital in October 2023 after starting out in finance.
Career changing apprenticeship
I started my career working in finance as a finance assistant, very different to what I am doing now. After being in the role for a while, I realised that I enjoyed creating and improving things that have a real impact on the end user. Deadlines and timelines working in finance didn’t give me the freedom for creativity to use my problem-solving skills like a role in engineering could. I also wanted the opportunity to work in collaboration with colleagues on large scale products and projects instead of working in the silos that a finance culture provided.
So, while learning the programming languages, I thought why not give a career in engineering a chance and see where it takes me. That’s when I applied for an apprenticeship at DWP Digital.
I was initially attracted to an apprenticeship because I wanted to learn whilst doing. I thought an apprenticeship would give me a chance to work on something where I could make a difference whilst I kept learning.
When I saw the advert for the engineering apprenticeships, it looked like the perfect opportunity for someone like me who was looking for a change in career.
Skills for life
The best thing about my apprenticeship is that I can learn new skills that can be applied directly to my job. Thanks to the training on offer and the support provided through my apprenticeship I have acquired the skill of the programming language – Python and my problem-solving skills have significantly improved.
From the moment I started my apprenticeship, every course or workshop I have done, I have learnt something new.
To pick a few, I enjoyed a two day “Hack Yourself First” workshop and a Professional Scrum Master 1 (PSM1) workshop I attended after completing a 16-week boot camp in March 2024. I found the hack training very useful as it focused on online safety and security and how to be vigilant in protecting yourself from scammers or hackers.
The PSM1 training was also useful as I got to learn about scrum culture. I found it helpful as my team uses scrum and agile methodologies. We are now moving to using Kanban software and I have noticed workshops that will help me learn more about that.
We are always encouraged to attend any relevant conferences or workshops that would be useful to us as a team or as an individual.
Throughout my apprenticeship I have also had access to a couple of learning platforms like Udemy and A Cloud Guru that help me with my day-to-day work.
A supportive space for growth and development
I have received great support and guidance from my team. I meet once a week with my line manager and our Lead Infrastructure Engineer to ensure I am supported day to day with my workload and any challenges I might face. My wellbeing is always at the forefront of discussions too.
Other members of the wider team are always happy to share knowledge and insight. In particular, Senior Database Platform colleagues who have shared their knowledge about these databases and helped me understand difficult tasks.
I also work alongside another apprentice in my team who I can collaborate with, sharing ideas and tackling challenges together. In my team alone, we have three previous apprentices, who are very supportive and always there to guide and advise whenever I need any help. I am also in contact with some of the other apprentices from my 2023 cohort.
My advice to those thinking of taking on an apprenticeship
I would highly recommend an apprenticeship to anyone who is interested in learning new things. Anyone thinking about apprenticeships should go ahead and apply.
I know I took a huge step and came out of my comfort zone, and I am really pleased with the decision I made. Up until now, my knowledge of engineering has only been expanded, and I look forward to continuing to grow and succeed at DWP Digital.
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