Chelsea Dryden - Software Development at NCFE

Topic

[Apprentice]

"I wanted the hands on experience and to stand out from anyone else’s CV etc. Starting earlier means I will have a little bit more knowledge and experience."

What were you doing before your apprenticeship began?

I left school just after my GCSEs and did the 15 week boot camp which lead me to the Level 3 Software Development apprenticeship. I then continued onto the Level 4 this year. I am in a Software Testing role.

Why did you decide the apprenticeship route was the right route for you?

I knew I didn’t want to go down the traditional route of doing A Levels for two years and then university. I wanted the hands on experience and to stand out from anyone else’s CV etc. Starting earlier means I will have a little bit more knowledge and experience.

Please detail your views on the quality of service/training programmes provided to you by Baltic Apprenticeships...

I loved the classroom learning from Baltic Apprenticeships. The trainer knew what he was talking about and found it easy to get responses from questions. The webinars are good; they have the quality needed. I just find sometimes I can lose track of tasks. E.g. moving onto tasks and visiting them late in the day. I do like how trainers will get everyone involved.

What new skills do you feel you have gained from undertaking your apprenticeship?

Confidence is a big one from starting my apprenticeship. The knowledge allows me to get involved in more conversations at work. I have learnt a lot of technical skills during my apprenticeship.

Would you recommend completing an apprenticeship with Baltic Apprenticeships to a friend?

100%. I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship with Baltic. I’ve learnt so much and had great trainers to get me through. The trainers will always help when you need it. I know if I need anything Baltic Training will always help and be supportive. My apprenticeship has given me great skills in such a short period of time. I have now grown confidence from my apprenticeship and if I went for an interview I would feel a lot more confident.