Tell us a little about yourself and your work.

Hi, I’m Jake Laycock, a Software Engineer at CGI based in South Wales. I joined the Swansea DA course through CGI straight after finishing my A-Levels. I have a passion for problem-solving and tackling challenges, which is at the core of what I do as a Software Engineer. 

My work focuses on the banking and financial markets sector, where I contribute to various projects involving both front-end and back-end development. I work with technologies such as .NET and C# for back-end development, Angular for front-end applications, and Azure for cloud solutions. I’ve also designed solutions with varied architectures, including microservices, tailored to meet client needs. 

Outside of work, I enjoy travelling and diving into a good crime novel.

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

I applied to several degree apprenticeship schemes across the UK and came across the Swansea DA programme while applying for a role at CGI. After researching the course, I was impressed by the range of topics it covered, especially when compared to other programmes. One of the key benefits was being able to directly apply the concepts learned at university to my work, making the content both relevant and specific to a software engineering career.

Another highlight was being part of a group with such a diverse mix of people. While we all shared a technology background, everyone brought different experiences, with some having over 30 years in the industry and others, like me, just starting out. This mix of perspectives created a great atmosphere for learning and sharing ideas, and it was fantastic to be part of such a well-rounded group.

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

I’ve always been curious about how computers work and enjoyed solving problems with them, so moving into programming felt like a natural step. My journey into coding began in secondary school during my GCSEs, where I was fortunate enough to take a Computer Science course. It was my first real exposure to programming, and it quickly became something I wanted to explore further.

I started with Python, which gave me a solid foundation as I continued into A-Level. I loved the creativity and freedom involved in writing my own code, and that’s when I knew I wanted to become a software engineer. It also felt like a smart choice, given the growing demand for this skill.

My computer science teacher at A-Level recommended looking into degree apprenticeships, and the idea really stood out to me. I saw the value in gaining real-world industry experience alongside my studies, and I knew that a degree apprenticeship would offer the best of both worlds, setting me up for success in the field, at the very start of my career.

By completing the DA programme, has it helped you with your personal development, job role and career goals?

Completing the DA programme has helped me in many ways. Time management stands out as a key skill I’ve developed. Early on in the course, I had to learn how to balance work, university, and personal commitments effectively, which was a challenge since it’s much more demanding than a typical university course. Working full-time while studying required me to become more organised and better at planning my time, which has benefited me both personally and professionally.

The course covered a wide range of topics, from ethical concerns of writing code to network security, which helped broaden my knowledge and improve my versatility at work. Applying what I learned has made a noticeable difference in my effectiveness as a software engineer, enabling me to contribute more meaningfully to my team.

One standout experience was the third-year dissertation project, where I had to design and develop a complex application independently. That process pushed me to become a more capable, confident, and self-sufficient software engineer. This experience directly advanced my career, taking me from a Degree Apprentice to a Software Engineer. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the skills and experiences gained through the Swansea DA programme.

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

The skills I’ve gained are highly practical and adaptable, which means they’ll remain valuable no matter what kind of project I work on in the future. For example, I can now design and develop mobile apps, a skill that’s becoming more essential as businesses shift their focus toward mobile-first strategies. I also understand how penetration testing works and how to identify vulnerabilities, which is critical for building secure applications – something that’s becoming more important in today’s technology landscape.

Beyond that, I’ve developed a solid grasp of object-oriented programming concepts, which underpin so much of modern software development. These foundational skills aren’t tied to any one technology or trend – they’re transferable across different languages, frameworks, and industries.

In addition to these broad skills, I now have a solid understanding of specific technologies like Flutter and Laravel and have gained valuable experience working with Java. I was able to apply this knowledge in lab sessions, gaining practical, hands-on experience to complement my learning. I also have a good grasp of project planning methodologies, such as Agile, which has helped me structure and adapt projects effectively.

Looking ahead, I know these skills will allow me to take on more complex and varied roles in software engineering. Whether I’m leading a project, contributing to a team, or exploring new technologies, the knowledge I’ve gained will help me stay relevant in a rapidly evolving field.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If you have the opportunity to join the Swansea DA programme, go for it. Whether you’re just starting your career or already have some experience, it’s a fantastic way to broaden your knowledge and skills. It’s certainly challenging, but the benefits are well worth the effort.

You can find out more about our Degree Apprenticeship on our DA webpage.