National Apprenticeship Week: Q&A with Tyreece Simpson
Hi Tyreece, why did you enrol on an apprenticeship at FDB?
I originally enrolled on an apprenticeship at FDB as I thought it would be a great opportunity to get real world experience in a compelling industry whilst continuing to enrich myself academically by embarking on higher education.
Can you tell us about your apprenticeship?
Over the four years, I studied a Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship which covered a broad range of IT subjects alongside specialising in software engineering. By the end of the course, I had gained an extensive knowledge and understanding of a myriad of areas within IT whilst completing a solo software engineering project to design and develop a product health dashboard for FDB. After completing the apprenticeship, I was awarded with a Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Apprenticeship and a BSc in Digital and Technology Solutions.
How have you found the experience?
I always say it was “the best of both worlds”; the experience has allowed me to grow my knowledge of IT and software engineering exponentially whilst also getting real world experience at a fantastic company who helped me grow not only as an employee, but also as a person.
How does your apprenticeship work on a day to day basis?
One day a week was dedicated to my studies where I would conduct e-learning and online classes; the other four days I would be part of the team at FDB learning and helping to develop the product. During the apprenticeship I was supported throughout by many different members at FDB which allowed me to achieve a First-Class Honours degree.
Do you think the apprenticeship is helping you on your career pathway?
The apprenticeship has definitely helped me; after completing my apprenticeship I was able to develop and take on more responsibility very quickly due to all the experience and learning I had over the four years. Many of these opportunities I didn’t expect to be undertaking at my young age when I first enrolled on this apprenticeship.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I will be able to pursue many of my career goals as the apprenticeship has put me in a quite fortunate position where I have four years of industry alongside a full degree at a young age. Furthermore, in the unlikely event that I ever wanted to leave FDB, doing this apprenticeship means that I have cultivated a rich set of academic and industry skills that would make me exceedingly attractive to employers and set me apart in highly completive job markets.
Would you encourage others to become an apprentice at FDB?
Yes, I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship at FDB to anyone that has a passion for software engineering and a strong willing to learn for all the reasons I have described above. Not only this you will be part of the FDB family where we have an amazing culture and values. This year, I am delighted to be a part of extending the scheme to support the future apprentices throughout their development, and that they will have the same amazing opportunity I had to begin my professional career here at FDB.
If you would like to learn more about FDB's apprenticeship scheme, please visit our careers page.
