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Meet Sacha Miller, an apprentice web developer at Forrit, one of Scotland's leading tech companies. He has kindly agreed to write a regular column - a diary if you like - of what it's like being a digital apprentice to inspire others to check out this superb route into a digital job. 

But before he shines a light on his professional life, we thought it would be helpful if he introduced himself to Digital World visitors first.

Tell us about your career journey to date.

I am an apprentice web developer at Forrit, a digital technology company in Edinburgh. As an apprentice at Forrit, I spend one day a week studying towards a degree in software development at Edinburgh Napier University, and the rest of the week at Forrit where I help to deliver work for one of the company’s largest clients. I started my apprenticeship straight from school after completing my a-levels.

Why and how did you apply to become an apprentice? 

When I finished my GCSEs, I secured summer work experience at Forrit. Whilst I was there I found out about their apprenticeship programme - and from then on I had my eyes set on an apprenticeship!

Do you think you would be doing something different now if wasn’t for the apprentice opportunity?

I love software development so I think I would still be studying that, just as a full-time university student instead of an apprentice.

Sacha Headshot

What are the best bits about being an apprentice? 

One of the best things about being an apprentice is the long-term advantage it gives you. As an apprentice you acquire invaluable industry experience and team-working skills, all whilst completing your degree in the same number of years as a full-time student. Also, earning money while you learn - instead of racking up debt -  is also very nice! 

Why do you love doing what you do? 

I love my job because I have amazing colleagues and I find the work interesting and fun. I love problem solving and my job provides me with lots of opportunities to solve challenges.

What digital skills are important to you in your “day” job? 

The digital skills required in my job are mainly programming skills in HTML, CSS, JS and JAVA. When it comes to finding solutions to client requirements, the ability to find, re-use and modify existing code is also important.

And what are the key softer skills that are important in your role?

Good communication with everyone on the team is very important to help avoid misunderstandings and issues. When I started my apprenticeship during lockdown, we couldn’t meet in-person, so clear communication was key.

What advice would you give someone who is considering an apprenticeship as a career option?
    
I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship. I find it very enjoyable and I feel that it is much more beneficial than studying full-time.

What do you hope other people will get from reading your regular “diary” updates?

Through my regular diary updates I hope to give people a better insight into what an apprentice does and why apprenticeships can be so advantageous. 

Keep coming back to Digital World to hear more about Sacha's apprentice journey, and visit our dedicated page to find out more about digital apprenticeships.