We caught up with Ben Sparrow, one of our current Apprentices working as a Software Developer for Logistic Resources. Ben started his new role during the pandemic after finishing his 12-Week bootcamp. Ben shares his story and practical advise for others considering moving into the Tech Industry.

Tell me a little about yourself, what is your background?

My name’s Ben Sparrow, I’m 24 years old, I currently live and work in Leeds but grew up in a small town just outside of Cambridge. When I’m not at work, you’ll find me socializing with friends, either watching my football team Aston Villa down the pub or playing Warzone on my gaming PC. I’m also really into music, although a fan of all genres, I really enjoy electronic music and sometimes mix around some tracks on my friends DJ decks too.

How did you hear about code nation?

I first stumbled across Code Nation when looking at apprenticeship jobs online. When I was made redundant from my previous job due to the pandemic, I started teaching myself to code but was finding some concepts really difficult and not having a mentor to turn to made things harder. I found Code Nation’s apprenticeship course on Linkedin and made sure to apply as soon as possible.

What is your current role and where?

I am currently working as a software developer for Logical Resources based in the center Leeds.

Why did you want to do the apprenticeship?

Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic I was trying to teach myself to code but finding the time and trying to learn complex concepts was getting difficult – I can see why a lot of people give up. When I saw the opportunity to learn how to code and be enrolled into a job role, I couldn’t not sign up!

How did you find the apprenticeship overall?

Although on the first day we jumped straight into learning JavaScript, which sounds daunting to newcomers to code, the teaching style of the CN tutors made it so easy to understand. To think that you will be writing your first line of code on day 1, gives you an idea of the amount you learn throughout the 12 weeks.

What types of things did you learn?

The start of the course focuses heavily on learning vanilla Javascript as it’s the most in demand language and helps you understand how computer languages work as the concepts are quite universal. Alongside some HTML/CSS, we also covered other libraries and frameworks of JS - like Node and Express for backend, MongoDB for setting up Databases, and React to build out a full stack application. We also learnt version control with Git and Github as well.

How did you find the 12 week bootcamp?

I never thought I would have learned as much as I did, but now I have started my role with Logical with the confidence to start building full stack websites and all the resources provided from the apprenticeship. Alongside this, I found the course just really fun learning to code and have made a bunch of friends from the cohort.

What was your favourite part of the apprenticeship?

There were many great parts of the course, from developer tech talks in prestigious companies like Muscle Food, to code alongs with senior developers at AO.com. My favourite part though has to be putting what you learn into practice, building small projects and seeing everything work together gives you a sense of satisfaction.

How will this apprenticeship help you in the future?

Well, essentially this apprenticeship has set me up for my whole career. I see myself working in software for a very long time and Code Nation has given me the opportunity to that.

What projects are you working on currently?

My final project of the course was set by my employer to build out the company website, which I am currently working on at the moment. There are many more projects in the pipeline and I can’t wait to get stuck in.

Any advice or suggestions for someone thinking about moving into the industry?

Make sure to do your research to know if this is the career for you. If you’re into the latest tech and see yourself as a natural problem solver then you’ll fit in very well as a developer. However it takes time so be patient and learn at your own pace.

What are you hoping to do after the apprenticeship?

Once the apprenticeship has finished, I aim to continue progressing and learning. Eventually I want to be a confident full stack senior developer.

Do you have any tips for apprentices to help manage their work and their studies?

There will definitely be times when you get stuck trying to work something out, and you may even question if this is the career for you, but if you take regular breaks and try to approach problems from a different angle you’ll eventually get there. The satisfaction when you get something working reminds you why you started. Also never be scared to ask a question, it's what the tutors are there for.

If you're interested in becoming an Apprentice, speak with us today to discover opportunities in Software Development and Cyber.