“We are utterly dependent on the next generation to survive and thrive in the future. We impart context, they bring their perspective.” Great words from our CIO, Jack Stark about our apprentices back in 2023, his words ring true today as they two years ago.
To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we spoke to colleagues from our cohort of apprentices, who are now at the end of their courses and making the next steps in their careers. Here’s what they had say about their journey as apprentices:
Ben Godfrey – Technical Apprentice, studying a degree apprenticeship in Digital Technology Solutions: Software Engineering.
“In the past three years, I’ve had the opportunity to develop many soft skills, such as critical analysis of customer and project requirements and presenting to a variety of audiences. I’ve also developed an understanding of software engineering lifecycles and how to adjust it to my work in IT.
I’ve also had the rare privilege of working on a project from bid stage to now eventually working on it as part of the project support team. I started working on it with our sales team and moved into the IT delivery team just as the work itself got underway.”
Reinard Cortez – Simulation Apprentice, studying a Level 4 application support lead with Learn tech.
“Some of my main highlights from my apprenticeship, include the opportunity to work outside the UK and attend conferences specialising in simulation and training, which gave me valuable insights into the industry and allowed me to network with professionals in the field.
I also had the chance to provide support and contribute to the development of an application, which was both challenging and rewarding. Additionally, being entrusted with the responsibility to lead the simulation in an exercise was a significant milestone — it not only boosted my confidence but also allowed me to apply my skills in a leadership role.”
Liam McManus – Technical Apprentice, studying a degree apprenticeship in Digital Technology Solutions: Software Engineering.
“I’ve learnt so much from my course in these past two years that have applied to my job at MASS, such as networking for when I worked in the IT team and learning different software languages, like Python, Java and SQL. It includes learning good coding practices and how to unit test correctly, as well as how to use automated testing within Python using Pytest.
I’ve been very fortunate to have very supportive teams around me throughout my development stages here at MASS, from IT to Sales and to Software Dev.”
Henry Fox – Simulation Apprentice, studying a Level 4 application support lead with Learn tech.
“During my apprenticeship with MASS and Learn Tech, I’ve developed many academic and technical skills. The academic aspect of my apprenticeship has enabled me understand legislation such as the Data protection act, develop software testing skills, an understanding of how development cycle works and different approaches to managing it.
On job skills have been more specific, for example I am now familiar and able to use the software to perform simulations on a training exercise.”
Ben Moss – Junior Software Tester, studied on a Level 4 Software Tester apprenticeship course.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my journey as an apprentice here at MASS which has led to my current role as a Junior Software Tester. The fact I was able to complete my apprenticeship within 14 months rather than the expected 18 months was mainly down to the support I got from MASS; I was mentored, I was afforded practical learning opportunities on live projects and time to do other small courses where I attained valuable skills and qualifications.
I really enjoyed going on the in-person courses, they were a great opportunity to meet with other software tester apprentices from all around the country and from a variety of company sizes offering a lot of perspective on how to handle software testing.”
