Delivering endless potential
Lewis is a Software Engineering apprentice at DWP Digital. After successfully completing his T-level placement whilst studying at Sunderland College, he was accepted onto the social mobility apprenticeship scheme.
Shaping my career path
When I first received the options of T-Level work placements, DWP Digital had the best skills offer alongside the experience I would gain. The placement was also relevant to the skills I was developing on my course projects and for future opportunities such as an apprenticeship.
The T-Level placement provided a great insight into the working world of software engineering. I had my first good look of how the industry worked such as agile working methods and gained a wealth of knowledge of the different tools and software used. I worked on a project to create an app for a zoo that would allow customers to book tickets, view animal information and an interactive quiz to engage children whilst at the zoo. This involved planning, researching, programming using Java, reviewing our code and our project which taught me the value of feedback. I hope to pick up this project as an apprentice with more knowledge of how to tackle it further.
I finished my T-Level course in June 2024 and at that point, everything was up in the air. I was waiting and hoping for the email about the apprenticeship. When I found out I was offered the Level 4 Software Engineering apprenticeship under the social mobility apprenticeship scheme, my main emotion was relief.
The social mobility apprenticeship scheme is for people who are 16 years old or over, unemployed, lacking in qualifications or work history and have barriers into employment. The scheme is 18 to 22 months with a performance review at 12 months to consider permanency, which I hope for.
Expanding my knowledge
While being on the T-Level did offer a large amount of knowledge, it’s very different than being an apprentice. As a T-Level student, I worked in the office 2 days a week and the other 3 days I studied in college, now as an apprentice I work 3 days remotely at home and 2 days in the office. Initially, the change felt daunting as the responsibility felt greater, but I soon realised the learning and development opportunities on offer, so I’m excited to see where this leads me.
I began my apprenticeship in a 16-week boot camp ran by our apprenticeship provider Makers which covered a multitude of aspects of coding. I started from the very basics of programming to a team project creating a hotel booking website. This project was to test our skills and get used to working collaboratively.
We then started our specialism track where I did 4 weeks of Java. Each project became more challenging and self-guided as time went on and we gained confidence.
Now that I have completed boot camp, I am most looking forward to joining a team, working on my portfolio of evidence and work on real projects and products that will further my knowledge, deepen my skills and most importantly, benefit other people.
A supportive learning environment
During my placement I received support from my line manager and colleagues who are happy to assist if any tasks proved difficult. I also have structured weekly sessions with a Tech Lead who supports me through coding challenges. Colleagues across the department are always happy to help and DWP Digital were very accommodating when I had other commitments such as college exams. That level of support hasn’t changed since moving into my apprenticeship.
My advice is don’t pass it up
My best piece of advice would be if you are offered similar opportunities to not pass it up! I encourage many other people to explore T-Levels and apprenticeships at DWP Digital because you will never know how valuable it could be and what paths it could open up for you.
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