Ryan Gaudion

After experiencing the benefits of a level 3 apprenticeship, Ryan jumped at the chance to study a degree apprenticeship as a way of progressing in his career as a software developer. He shares his experience of studying on the Digital Technology Solutions Professional (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship and the benefits this has provided for his personal development and career progression.

Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?

I had just completed my level 3 apprenticeship while working as a software developer at Lockheed Martin, and was looking for a way to continue my education, as well as develop my career. At first, I completed additional technical qualifications such as CompTIA Security+ (Cyber Security Qualification) as well as all three of the AWS Partner Qualifications. After this, I was offered the opportunity to continue at Lockheed Martin as a level 6 degree apprentice and thought this would be the perfect opportunity to continue learning. My degree would only require me to attend university one day a week while working on the job (and gaining valuable experience) the rest of the time. In addition to all of this, the degree would be free and I would be getting paid to work too!

What were your personal goals on entering the apprenticeship?

When I started the apprenticeship, I wanted to continue developing my career while staying in a technical pathway. As part of this, I wanted to have the skills and knowledge in a range of technologies to work on larger, more complex projects.

As I already had two years' experience as a software developer at Lockheed Martin and had completed many additional technical qualifications, I set the goal of completing the degree apprenticeship in two years instead of the recommended three-year journey.

How has the apprenticeship moved you towards achieving those goals?

Throughout the apprenticeship, I had the opportunity to work on a range of complex projects, both at university as well as at work. These projects, as well as the off-the-job training, taught me the technical skills I required to excel as a software developer. The university modules gave me the chance to work on projects for customers outside my organisation and work on different application types that I wouldn’t normally work on day-to-day. I now have a much more in-depth knowledge of the technologies I use every day, plus a broader understanding of other tools and techniques that I could use.

How has the apprenticeship benefitted you in the workplace?

Since graduating from university with a first-class degree, I have moved into the role of a full-time software developer. If I had gone through the 'traditional' route and started university outside of an apprenticeship, not only would I be graduating a year later, but I’d also be starting in a graduate role.

Completing the apprenticeship programme has not only progressed my career, but also developed my knowledge and skills. I now have a much more holistic understanding of not only my job role but the roles and teams that I interact with day to day. A degree apprenticeship has also developed my soft skills, including my presentation skills which I use regularly in the workplace.

Finally, being an apprentice with Lockheed Martin has opened me up to so many incredible opportunities, such as attending the House of Commons for the ADS Parliamentary Reception, representing Lockheed Martin at the DSEI Defence Trade Show, and providing talks at local schools, colleges, and universities about STEM and early careers.

My apprenticeship has been an amazing journey that has not only developed my career, and progressed both my technical and non-technical skills, but also given me incredible opportunities.