Meet the team: James Fenton, Software Engineering Apprentice

James Fenton joined us last year as a Software Engineering Apprentice as part of our partnership with Cardiff Met University. The BSc Applied Software Engineering Apprenticeship degree allows people like James to gain paid work experience whilst studying part time at university.

We spoke to James to find out how his apprenticeship is going.

 What made you decide to join us as a Software Engineering Apprentice?

“My interest in software engineering came from my fascination of computers. I’ve always been drawn to technology (hard not to in my generation!), so studied IT at both GCSE and A Level.

When I finished my A Levels, I felt unsure on my next steps. University felt like the only option pushed by my school, but I wasn’t keen. It felt like everyone around me knew exactly what their plan was, but I wasn’t sure. I applied for university and received offers, but that feeling of uncertainty made me take a step back, decline the offers and take a gap year to reassess my options. After researching, an apprenticeship sounded like the best plan for me as it would allow me to get real-life work experience whilst also getting a degree.

I saw the Software Engineering Apprenticeship with United Welsh during my gap year, and it sounded perfect. I thought it would allow me to get a degree still, but give me practical work experience too, which will help me get a job in the future. I came across a lot of different opportunities during my gap year, and I know I made the perfect decision to join United Welsh.”

You’re now a year into your apprenticeship. How are you finding it? 

“I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far. It’s been a great experience working with my team, and I’ve got on with everyone I’ve met. The support the team has given me has been incredible. I was over the moon with my results from my first year at university, and my team has had a big part in helping me achieve that so I can’t thank them enough.

I’ve learned so many new skills, and I wasn’t expecting to have such a big involvement in the work going on at United Welsh. I’m really grateful for the opportunity and know that the knowledge I’m gaining at university will continue to help me progress in my second year and my projects at work.

The team has been considerate and flexible when my university deadlines are approaching and allows me time to work on my assessments which is really helpful too.”

What is your favourite part of your role?

“This is hard to pinpoint! My role is something I’m still exploring, and I’m learning something new every day. My first significant job in my role was testing a new complaints system the team has been developing. I was tasked with identifying potential issues and raising any bugs in the system, to help improve the system’s functionality. I enjoyed this and felt really valued, and it was great to work with the team and see how our work helped shape the system’s evolution. Watching the system go live will be a proud moment.

I’m looking forward to working on future projects, and have exciting things coming my way where I can show my skills and develop new ones. As I move into the second year of my apprenticeship, I’m excited to continue developing in my degree and in my role with United Welsh, and take on new challenges with my team.”