Alex Payne

Alex graduated from the University of Suffolk with a degree in BSc Digital and Technology Solutions (Software Engineering) and is working for BT as a member of the DevOps teams, ensuring key systems are operational, updated and free from vulnerabilities.

A typical working day includes various tasks such as writing test plans, research and responding to incidents and service requests as well as helping new apprentices to upskill and work within the team.

Looking back at his experience of his Tech Industry Gold Degree Apprenticeship, Alex praises his apprenticeship colleagues who, as a group including him, held regular knowledge sharing and revision sessions and push each other to do their best.

The biggest challenge, said Alex, was getting the right work, life and university balance all during the Covid-19 pandemic but he again praised the team around him for their support.

He said: “Having a great team around you makes all the difference in making this achievable.”

Alex’s team at BT continue to always ensure his degree came first, allowing him extra time to meet assignment deadlines. They also offered to proof read each assignment and provide valuable, constructive feedback.

During the development of his iOS app’ReWired’ which is a Stroke Recovery applications designed and developed for his dissertation, Alex’s supervisor at university went above and beyond what was expected. He gained valuable connections who helped ensure the app would make a real difference and ensured he had support in areas outside his expertise like logo design.

Advice from Alex to anyone considering an apprenticeship is simple – be prepared to give it your all. It will be demanding at times but it will be worth it if you put the effort in and don’t give up when the going gets tough.

 Looking ahead, Alex will continue to progress his foundation of knowledge and technical skills within his current team as he gains further understanding around people management with the aim to hopefully manage a team in the future.