Tell us a little about yourself and your work.

I work as a consultant software engineer at CGI Inc., currently supporting projects in the justice sector. My role involves building and enhancing software solutions that deliver secure, reliable digital services, working closely with stakeholders and technical teams to achieve high-quality outcomes.

How did you hear about and engage with the Degree apprenticeship programme delivered by the Institute of Coding/Swansea University (Technocamps)?

I first heard about the Degree Apprenticeship through a CGI job advert. The advert highlighted the opportunity to earn a degree while gaining industry experience, which really appealed to me. After applying and joining CGI, I engaged with the programme through the structured learning pathway delivered by Swansea University/Technocamps and supported by my workplace, balancing academic study alongside real project work.

How did you first get involved with computers, and what inspired you to take this path?

I first got involved in coding when I was around 13 years old, when I created my own version of the game Tanks. That early experience made programming feel creative and rewarding, seeing something you built actually work was exciting. After that, I drifted away from IT for a while, but in my early twenties, I rediscovered my love for it. Coming back to tech with a more mature perspective made me realise it was the career path I genuinely wanted to commit to, and it motivated me to keep developing my skills.

How has completing the Degree Apprenticeship programme influenced your personal development, job role, and career ambitions?

Completing the Degree Apprenticeship has helped me significantly, it improved my confidence, discipline, and ability to manage competing priorities. It also strengthened my problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and professional mindset. The programme provided me with exposure to a wide variety of technologies and approaches, which directly enhanced my effectiveness at CGI. It helped me bring more value to projects and take on broader responsibilities. It provided me with a clear sense of direction and helped me progress more quickly than I would have otherwise. The experience and achievement supported my long-term goals and opened up new opportunities. A major outcome is that it helped me get promoted at CGI twice, which I strongly attribute to the skills, knowledge, and credibility I gained through the apprenticeship.

How do you think you will use the skills and knowledge you have gained in the future?

I will continue to apply what I’ve learned, both academically and professionally. The programme supported me in gaining a place at the University of Oxford to study an MSc, and I’ll use the skills and knowledge from the apprenticeship to help me succeed in that course. I’ll also apply these skills in my role at CGI, particularly in terms of technical breadth, structured thinking, and the ability to quickly learn new tools, so I can continue contributing to justice-sector projects and advancing in my career.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Overall, the Degree Apprenticeship has been a hugely positive experience. It allowed me to develop academically while gaining real-world experience, and it has had a clear impact on my confidence, work performance, and career progression. I’m grateful for the opportunity and would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn, earn, and advance simultaneously.