From Support Team Manager to Software Developer: Lauren’s Apprenticeship Journey
Lauren loved working for Spektrix but was looking to get into the technical side of things, so when her workplace started to pilot Software Development Apprenticeships, she jumped at the chance. Now a Senior Software Engineer at Spektrix, Lauren tells us about her apprenticeship journey and how she’s enjoying learning every day.
What were you doing before you applied for the apprenticeship, and what was your motivation to consider the apprenticeship and apply?
I was working at Spektrix as a team manager in the support team which is a client-facing team handling incoming inquiries and consultative projects around their software systems. So I knew the software really well but I was getting bored of doing the same role that I’d been doing for a few years.
One day I happened to ask the Director of Engineering how I could learn a bit more about tech and shadow some engineers. He said, ‘Funny you ask because I’m thinking about piloting the apprenticeship.’ They put candidates through a grueling interview process… and I got it! It was perfect timing.
What was your experience of code before applying?
I had done a little bit of troubleshooting on people’s websites including basic HTML fixes. I also compiled reports in Spektrix, which is similar to coding where you have a user tool and you write expressions similar to excel.
I’d also completed a General Assembly programming for non-programmers course a couple of years prior. The course taught you enough so that you could understand and feel comfortable when talking to developers, which I was doing frequently. So I knew enough to know that I would really enjoy it as a career.
What was your experience like on the Makers bootcamp?
I really loved Makers bootcamp It was so much fun. It’s quite intense but it’s only 12 weeks and each week you build on what you learned the previous week. I particularly liked working with a group of people that came from different places and walks of life.
We paired a lot with so many different people. For some exercises I would feel like I completely understood and I could even help someone else. On other days I’d be completely lost but my pair understood so I could learn from them. It was a great balance.
I really valued the focus on mental health and mindfulness, the daily meditations and yoga — I actually felt quite zen when I left bootcamp!
How did you find your placement time?
Spektrix is a really lovely place to work. There are lots of people who are willing to help and I was getting to pair program every day with some really experienced people which was invaluable.
Building a portfolio for my apprenticeship was good too because I needed to gather evidence of my work across various projects. So it gave me a really good grounding in my career.
What was the support like on the bootcamp and throughout your apprenticeship?
During the bootcamp the coaches were always ready to help, but they would help you work through a problem, rather than give you the answer — so that you’d learn from it.
We also had our wellness coach where you had regular check-ins just to talk about how you were and I really appreciated that.
Following the bootcamp I had supportive colleagues who really wanted me to get through it. I also had a Makers point of contact throughout the apprenticeship that myself and my line manager would have monthly check-ins with.
What has happened since completing the bootcamp?
I’m still at Spektrix. I’ve had the opportunity to work in a variety of different teams and I’ve even had the chance to lead on projects end-to-end. I learned about project management as well as coding from that and I was promoted to Senior about nine months ago.
What difference has taking the apprenticeship made to your life?
I don’t regret it at all. I really enjoy the work. I used to think I loved speaking to clients but I really love coding and solving problems even more so. I also really love that you’re never done learning because I can get quite restless if I get bored, but there’s just so much to learn. I’ll never learn it all. So that keeps me going. And obviously, the money is a bonus!
What are your future ambitions?
One day I’d like to become a tech lead rather than a senior, which focuses a little bit more on team leading and mentoring in addition to coding.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about applying for an apprenticeship with Makers?
I’d say definitely go for it. I don’t think anyone would regret doing it even if you don’t end up coding forever. The avenues it opens up in your career in tech are just amazing.
If you are doing Makers my one top piece of advice is to try not to get sucked into competing with the people around you. Everyone will be going at different paces and some things you’ll grasp quicker whereas some things will take a little longer. As cheesy as it sounds, it should just be yourself that you’re competing with!
If you would like to learn more about Makers apprenticeship opportunities follow us on LinkedIn to be notified of all our new opportunities with some amazing hiring partners across the UK. Or if like Lauren, you would like to work for the same company then you can find out more about running tech apprenticeships with us by speaking with Kate Crichton our Head of Partnerships.
