Charlton Tapley, a level 3 software development technician at De Montfort University, is gaining confidence and skills through his apprenticeship, where he focuses on user experience development. His role involves improving website functionality, solving user issues, and learning HTML5 while collaborating with experienced colleagues. Charlton expresses gratitude for his apprenticeship experience, stating it has been life-changing and career-enhancing.

1. Charlton Tapley – Level 3 Software Development Technician at De Montfort University
“I am starting to feel more confident in my ability as I’m progressing with the apprenticeship. I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
See how Charlton:
• works to improve user experience on the university’s
website
• prioritises workload and user requests to solve problems
• is gaining new knowledge every day as part of his
apprenticeship
• shadows more-experienced colleagues to gain more
knowledge and skills
Charlton explains why choosing to study vocationally through
an apprenticeship was ‘the best decision he has made’ for
him personally.

2. “My role at De Montfort University is a User Experience
Developer. The role is part designer and part developer. I
utilise creative skills, my knowledge of HTML5 and other
user interface applications.
I am responsible for the design, student user experience
vision and for implementing user interface and user
experience solutions to provide 2nd line technical
support.
My job is to improve the student / user facing systems
and their experience across the DMU portfolio.”

3. “I enjoy designing and developing which are my day-to-day
tasks.
I am now learning HTML5 on the apprenticeship programme
which will be used in practice.
My tasks include reviewing current projects and highlighting
things that can be improved from the user’s point of view. I’m
like a fresh eye over the experience users have, and I point out
potential improvements that can be made. I also respond to
requests made by tutors to make changes to the University’s
site such as small defects or changes to the perception on the
screens users view.”

4. “We have a meeting every Tuesday followed by a one-to-one
with my line manager. In these meetings I am given tasks to
complete.
We use SAP Software, which produces software developing
solutions. On the De Montfort University page we have
different tiles, so often my tasks is to check the current version
of the tile to see if it is possible to upgrade that tile or
template.
I organise work through our online ticket site. I assign tickets
to my colleagues for problem fixes raised.”

5. “My knowledge is progressing. I am taking on bigger and more
difficult tasks. I am 100% learning new things every day. During
Off The Job training I am able to shadow others as they work and
I’m able to learn from them. I learn better in a hands on
environment so it’s great to be able to go and watch as more
experienced colleagues work and make changes while they
explain what they are doing and why they are doing it.
I am starting to feel more confident in my ability as I’m
progressing with the apprenticeship. I wouldn’t change it for
the world.”

6. “I always questioned whether going for an apprenticeship instead
of university would be right for me; however, I believe it is the
best choice I have made. Being able to learn whilst working is
brilliant – I am buying my first house this year!
I’d like to say to the people at The ATP and De Montfort University
a big thank you – they have been brilliant. Everyone is so caring
and lovely, wanting to help out and make sure I am getting on
okay. I feel so welcomed.
My trainer is great – the lessons are really interactive and the
tasks are interesting. He goes the extra mile.”