Earn As You Learn. Software Engineer

“I’ve always been fascinated by how and why things work, spending hours building models, taking apart whatever I could find and putting it back together again, all to gain a deeper understanding of what makes the world around me ‘tick’. When I first decided to study computer science for GCSE, I knew it was the path for me. It opened a whole world of opportunity as it allowed me to exercise my passion for creating new tools and applications, all while looking in-depth at previously developed solutions and wondering how and why it could be improved.

“After I left school, I was less sure about the direction I wanted to take. I was caught between taking a year out, completing certifications, and really setting myself up for success in any career or project I should undertake, or just taking the university route, completing a degree, then finding a career that would suit me best.

“However, come January 2020, this would all change when I completed work experience at Kainos. The scheme lasted only five days, but I wish it never had ended. The five days at Kainos were enough to solidify my desire to pursue a career in IT, but also, a career at Kainos. During my work experience, I developed my knowledge of HTML and learned many new skills such as JavaScript and CSS.

“When applications opened, I worked as hard as I could to set myself apart. I worked on my own projects, completed an HTML certification, and educated myself on the company as best I could, all while developing my soft skills through volunteering activities such as coaching rugby or leading the school's programming club at the time.

“I drafted my application numerous times and really spent time on it, for anyone considering applying, I cannot stress enough how important it is for your application to reflect you as a person, not just how well you can develop code or how fast you could spin up a complex website. Talk about any volunteering you’ve done, include extracurricular events that define you as a person, and make sure to show your ability to learn and adapt to any given situation. I also called up connections I had who worked in the industry and asked teachers and family for help. A few weeks after I sent off my application, I got a phone call offering me an interview. I remember being lost for words. I think I repeated, ‘That’s amazing, thank you so much, more times than anyone ever should!

“From this moment, I put as much time and focus I could into preparing for the interview, researching the company, their values, and applying this to my achievements as to how I would be a great fit for Kainos. As soon as I started my interview, all my nerves simply faded away, I was instantly made to be comfortable and I felt as though I should be here, it made answering questions a much more pleasant experience as I felt little to no external pressures.

“Around 4 weeks later, I received an email offering me a place on the scheme, I don’t think I have ever replied to an email or typed as fast as I had done that day. I felt a massive sense of achievement as all of my hard work had paid off.”

What can I expect from the EAYL programme?

“From the start, I and the other apprentices embarked on a 16-week training program that took us from limited, A-Level, computing knowledge to being essentially full-stack developers with knowledge of everything from databases to front end development.

“Everyone I have met has been incredibly friendly, and the other apprentices are friends I know I will have for life, and I cannot wait to hopefully tackle some projects together with them as our careers progress. My favorite parts of the training have been the mock sprints that we have completed and the security workshop. I have loved working in a simulated work environment with others and the sense of teamwork and achievement we feel when we sign off a ticket or build a full working prototype. I cannot wait to see what my future holds here at Kainos!”